08-25-1992 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . Planning Commission Minutes August 25, 1992 Page 17 Robert Miller, attorney for the Custom Motor's owners, distributed an action plan to the Planning Commission. This action plan was made part of the public record. Mr. Miller stated that the decision as to whether to relocate or screen is very difficult due to a number of factors including economic and environmental implications. He stated that the owners are willing to due some cosmetic improvements in the short term, but that the ultimate action, whether it is relocation or screening, would have to be a joint process with the City due to the heavy expense involved. Mr. Miller stated that it was not sensible to have a huge capital outlay to screen the facility if the owners were going to be required to move. Mr. Miller stated that Custom Motors is anticipating 3 to 5 years to implement temporary changes to the facility. At that time a longer term solution could be developed. In regards to the proposed rezoning of the property to residential, Mr. Miller stated that the long and narrow shape of the parcel does not readily lend itself to residential development. He also stated that there was no immediate need for an answer to this property as the lack of City utilities in this area has delayed potential for development. Commissioner spotts questioned why the owners could not have the screening accomplished more quickly? Mr. Miller stated that the owners were planning to remove some of the vehicles in an effort reduce the size of the junk yard during that initial time frame. He also stated that due to the expense involved in screening that more time would be needed. Steve Rohlf, Building and Zoning Administrator, stated that the felt the earlier years of the process should include a Phase II Environmental Audit, as this was a major issue in the decision of whether to relocate or just screen the junk yard. Commissioner Eberley questioned why the environmental audit was needed? steve Rohlf answered that this area has been a junk yard for over 30 years and that it was very likely that there was some contamination in this area. Commissioner Eberley stated that the City should review how other communities in the area where handling similar situations. Commissioner spotts recommended reviewing recent actions taken in the City of Blaine, Andover, and Washington Avenue in Minneapolis. COMMISSIONER JOHNSON MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM UNTIL THE 9/22/92 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE ELK RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY SO THAT THE ACTION PLAN WHICH WAS DISTRIBUTED COULD BE REVIEWED MORE THOROUGHLY. COMMISSIONER EBERLEY SECONDED THE MOTION. Discussion ensued regarding financial incentives available for the junk yard as well as the cost of landscaping and screening. THE MOTION CARRIED 7-0.