6.4. & 6.5. SR 04-16-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes Janua~ 23,2001 Page 7 Brian Benson, Sherburne County Administrator, explained that the County had asked for reduction in the amount of landscaping of the jail expansion for security purposes. He stated that after hearing the residents, the application was withdraw. Mr. Benson stated that if the County were to acquire Outlot F, the first thing that would be done is to install a berm and trees along the property adjacent to Sandpiper Estates. Roy Thorp, 13789 183rd Avenue NW, asked that the County meet with the residents to go over the County's plans for the property and also, to hear the residents' concerns. Nicole Bahr asked if the County purchases property, can the City require that the County make an agreement in writing as to the landscaping and screening. Chair Mesich stated that those requirements are written in the zoning code. There being no further comments from the public, Chair Mesich closed the public hearing. Commissioner Baker stated that he does not believe the County has any ulterior motives in purchasing this property. He felt that a significant amount of time has gone into zoning the land as it is. He suggested that the County explore other options for acquiring land for expansion before asking the City to rezone Outlot F. Commissioner Pederson suggested recommending an ordinance amendment which would allow city and county offices in an R1 district, as a conditional use. He felt that by doing this, there would be somewhat of a guarantee that the County would build an office building. Also, the current ordinance to allow correctional facilities or jails as conditional uses would need to be changed, as welt. Chair Mesich and Commissioner Chambers agreed with Commissioner Pederson's suggestion. Commissioner Pederson asked how long an ordinance amendment would take. Ms. McPherson stated that the Planning Commission could consider an amendment at their February meeting and the request would go to the City Council in March. Commissioner Pederson stated he did not feel residential zoning was appropriate for Outlot F. He felt they would be dealing with the same issues as they did with the Softpak issue. Commissioner Pederson stated that he felt the use of the property as County offices would be more compatible with the residential and a good transition from business park. COMMISSIONER BAKER MOVED TO RECOMMEND DENIAL OF THE REQUEST BY HOYT PARTNERS LLP FOR A LAND USE AMENDMENT FOR OUTLOT F, ELK PATH BUSINESS CENTER, TO CHANGE THE LAND USE FROM MEDIUM DENSITY TO LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, CASE NO. LU 01-01, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS: 1. THE PROPERTY PROVIDES A GOOD BUFFER BETWEEN THE BUSINESS PARK/LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY TO THE WEST AND THE RESIDENTIAL AREA TO THE EAST. THE PLANNING COMMISSION SUPPORTS AN ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO ALLOW GOVERNMENT OFFICES AS A CONDITIONAL USE IN RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS, WHICH WOULD PERMIT THIS APPLICATION TO PROCEED.