Laserfiche WebLink
Councilmember Howell asked why the City would not just allow this use. She said she is not in <br /> support of annexing this land. <br /> Community Development Director Hanson shared that there have been some code enforcement <br /> issues in the past on this property where the land has not been utilized properly. She stated that <br /> Northstar still operates their business on the Elk River side of their property through a Conditional <br /> Use Permit. She added that Elk River said if this annexation does not go through then the business <br /> owner will have to build a berm to block the Ramsey parcel for screening purposes. <br /> Councilmember Howell asked for the reasoning behind the need for a berm. <br /> Community Development Director Hanson said it has to do with Ramsey's zoning on the property. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove noted that it would make more sense to annex the portion of the land <br /> that is in Elk River and give it to Ramsey, then the City can work with the business owner on the <br /> zoning for the property. She asked why they wanted to annex to Elk River rather than Ramsey. <br /> Community Development Director Hanson said it is due to the City's zoning and the <br /> Comprehensive Plan not aligning with this use. <br /> Councilmember Musgrove asked if the zoning of this property has changed since Northstar <br /> purchased it. <br /> Community Development Director Hanson said no. She noted that the last zoning code <br /> amendments did not address this area. <br /> Councilmember Specht asked if there is any land that Elk River would be willing to swap for this <br /> property. <br /> Councilmember Riley said he would like to hear from the applicant as he is not understanding why <br /> they would rather be annexed to Elk River than come forward for a zoning amendment. <br /> Councilmember Olson said he does not see a benefit to the City in this situation. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff said he agrees with Councilmember Riley as the City has tools in <br /> place to allow for this type of use. He asked what zoning district this area would have to be in to <br /> allow the current use. <br /> Community Development Director Hanson said it would have to be in the I-3 district. <br /> Councilmember Woestehoff noted that this property is in a tough spot. He said he is not opposed <br /> to letting this property go; however, it also makes more sense to him for the land in Elk River to <br /> be annexed to Ramsey. He asked about the timing of an annexation if it were to go through. He <br /> noted that there is an assessment on this property that goes through 2024 in Ramsey, and he would <br /> want to make sure that this special assessment is paid as a part of any sort of transaction. <br /> City Council Work Session/June 11, 2024 <br /> Page 2 of 10 <br />