Agenda - Council - 06/25/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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