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Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 May 8, 2007 --------------------------- There being no further public comment, Vice-Chair Scott closed the public hearing. Mr. Barnhart stated that staff request direction from the Planning Commission regarding a possible text amendment, which may include new definitions, and whether or not the use should require a conditional use permit. Commissioner Westgaard stated that he felt more discussion is needed regarding a definition for the proposed use and he was not comfortable making a recommendation tonight. He stated that questions need to be answered regarding what is educational, what is recreational, and where the use is appropriate. He felt the use could be a twist on words and up to interpretation. He stated he would like more information before providing a recommendation. Mr. Barnhart stated that issue can be broken into pieces consisting o£ 1) determining whether or not the use is appropriate for this zone; 2) whether or not the use is commercial recreation; 3) where does this type of use fit; and 4) is the use a vocational/educational use or for enjoyment. Commissioner Staul asked if the dance studio on Railroad Drive was a permitted or conditional use. He stated he felt the commercial recreation definition as it currently exists is too broad and some of the uses would not be acceptable in the Business Park zoning district. He stated that commercial recreation needs to be defined and suggested that other cities be surveyed regarding this issue. Commissioner Lemke asked if the Commission was bound by any past Council action. Mr. Barnhart stated that there is some history on this issue, and that there have been changes in the Council since that time. Commissioner Lemke stated that there is some confusion on this issue and he would like to study it further at a workshop. Mr. Barnhart noted that uses other than commercial recreation would create more employment in the Business Park zoning, and some of these types of uses would not be appropriate, such as a bowling alley or a dirt bike racing facility. Commissioner Anderson concurred that this issue should be studied further in a workshop setting. He stated that this is the first time the Planning Commission has heard about Mr. Briggs issue and they are not prepared to address it until the use is better defined. He stated he supports filling empty business park space and the upgrading of uses. MOTION BY COMMISSIONER WESTGAARD AND SECONDED BY COMMISSIONER STAUL TO TABLE THE REQUEST BY THE CIYT OF ELK RIVER FOR AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT REGARDING RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE BUSINESS PARK ZONING DISTRICT, CASE NO. OA 07-06. MOTION CARRIED 6-0. 6.1. Update on Apri116, 2007 City Council Meeting Commissioner Westgaard provided an update on action taken on the planning items by the City Council at their April 16, 2007 meeting. 6.2. Update on Downtown Redevelopment Task Force Meeting Commissioner Anderson, representative for the Planning Commission on the Downtown Redevelopment Task Force, provided an update on the Task Force's last meeting. He noted that the Task Force will likely be meeting until November 2007.