05-08-2006 CC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

. . . 5.5. City Council Minutes May 8, 2006 Page 5 5.4. Wetland Buffer Ordinance Environmental Administrator Rebecca Haug reviewed the draft wetland buffer ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance is to protect the remaining wetlands in the City of Elk River. The ordinance would require a 25 foot buffer strip from the delineated wetland boundary or the ordinary high water level of a storm water pond. In this area, no mowing, clearing or removal of vegetation would be allowed. A minimum of 20 feet from the wetland buffer setback would also be required. No structures would be allowed in this setback area. Fences and nature trails, at the City's approval, would be allowed. This ordinance is intended for new construction of plats so any existing lots that abut a wetland would not be affected. The Council members gave suggested changes. This item will be revised and placed on an upcoming Council agenda for approval. Councilmember Farber returned. Discussion on Briggs Proposal Community Development Director Scott Clark stated at the April 1 0, 2006 City Council work session, the City Council directed staff to review options regarding what was called the ''Briggs Proposal." Issues discussed at that meeting were a concern that certain types of businesses (dance, gymnastics, music, etc.) have a difficult time in finding affordable commercial space to make their businesses profitable and converting some industrial property to commercial may be a method to create the necessary economics for this type of use to be profitable. Discussion also centered on concerns of converting scarce industrial property into commercial space and creating a tier type of zoning. Mr. Clark and Community Development Director Catherine Mehelich reviewed the staff report regarding the economic policy considerations, commercial and industrial inventory in the City, and zoning issues. Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission review and revise the Business Park District ordinance. Council concurred. 5.6. I;and Use Financial Management Plan 5.7. Community Development Director Scott Clark reviewed his staff report regarding entering into a Land Use Financial Plan (LUFP) with EWers and Associates. He stated in order to determine the appropriateness of land uses some type of fmancial management planning model needs to be developed to test future revenue generation to needed expenditure levels for a city built-out to a population of 36,000. He further explained the purpose, process, and costs associated with the proposed Plan. MOVED BY COUNCILMEMBER MOTIN AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER DIETZ TO APPROVE EHLERS' "LAND USE FINANCIAL PLAN DRAFT SCOPE OF WORK," DATED APRIL 26, 2006, AND TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PLAN AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Street Department Temporary Office Discussion on this item was tabled until the June work session.