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City Council Minutes December 15, 2025 --------- Page 6 of 13 explained that he would look for a new apartment to rent; therefore, he supports the apartment building at this location. Councilmember Grupa closed the public hearing. Mayor Dietz explained that the Board of Adjustments pointed out that Mr. Briggs would not need the variances if he reduced the size of his project and stated he would not be voting for either one. Councilmember Wagner explained the reason for the denial from the Board of Adjustments is that it is a new project, and the applicant knows what the land has and doesn't have, and could be solved by changing the size. She stated every project has to stand on its own merit. This project is not the same as other projects, and she has concerns about the easement portion of the driveway. She has a hard time coming up with a reason to go against the Board of Adjustments, stating that it's a new project, and it could be taken care of with a couple of adjustments. For these reasons, she will not be able to support the request. Councilmember Beyer stated that he does not see a traffic study and has no clue how that will affect anything. Mr. Carlton explained that a traffic study has been submitted to the Public Works Department. This is a variance component. The land use portion will be a different conversation. Councilmember Beyer explained that we don't know how things are going to change with the Northstar gone. He explained that Elk River has grown and grown and questioned how big we want Elk River to get. He explained that at this point, he would be sticking with what the Board of Adjustments suggested and would be voting against it as well. Councilmember Grupa has concerns regarding the project and thinks that Mr. Briggs could make some adjustments as well. He stated he would not be voting for the variance either. Moved by Mayor Dietz and seconded by Councilmember Calva to direct staff to draft a resolution making Findings of Fact, denying two variances, one requesting a reduction in the number of parking stalls required for an apartment building, and second, a six-foot encroachment into the wetland buffer setback, as the following standard required for approval of a variance has not been met: 4. The plight of the petitioner is due to circumstances unique to the property and is a consequence of the petitioner's own action. The City Council would consider the resolution on January 20, 2026. Motion carried 5-0. 7.4 Resolution 25-78 and Ordinance 25-17: Amend City Plans to Support Commercial Uses, Sherburne County - 11401 205th Ave NW The staff report was presented. Councilmember Grupa opened the public hearing on behalf of Mayor Dietz. There being no one to speak to this matter, Councilmember Grupa closed the public hearing. Moved by Councilmember Wagner and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt Resolution 25-78 amending the land use guidance for 11401 205th Ave NW from Rural Residential to Highway Business, subject to the condition that Sherburne County prepare