HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 16 - Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue Ordinance; 7.21.15
MAYOR & COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
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DATE: July 21, 2015 REGULAR ITEM #16
ORDINANCE 08-121
RESOLUTION 2015-045 AGENDA ITEM: Zoning Text Amendment – Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue
Ordinance
SUBMITTED BY: Nick Johnson, City Planner THROUGH: Julie Johnson, City Clerk
REVIEWED BY: Kyle Klatt, Community Development Director
Planning Commission
SUGGESTED ORDER OF BUSINESS:
- Introduction of Item .....................................Community Development Director
- Report/Presentation………………………...Community Development Director
- Questions from Council to Staff ............................................. Mayor Facilitates
- Call for Motion ............................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Discussion ....................................................................... Mayor & City Council
- Action on Motion .................................................................... Mayor Facilitates
POLICY RECCOMENDER: The Planning Commission is recommending approval of a
zoning text amendment to expand the opportunities to conduct Commercial Wedding Ceremony
Venues within the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: None – The City’s review of the requested Zoning Text Amendment is reimbursed through the submitted application fee.
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED: The City has received a request from Danielle
Hecker, 11658 50th Street North, to amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance to allow Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venues as in interim use permit within the City’s RR – Rural Residential
zoning districts. The City Council discussed the matter at their June 2, 2015 meeting, and requested that additional opportunities for public engagement be provided. The Planning
Commission and Staff are recommending approval of the requested amendment with further
City Council Meeting [Agenda Item 16]
July 21, 2015
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restrictions on the application of the ordinance as noted on June 2nd. The motion to take the
recommended action on the request is as follows:
“Move to adopt Ordinance 08-121, amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues as in interim use permit within the City’s RR – Rural Residential zoning districts and to increase the maximum number of guests allowed at each event from 150 to 200”
In addition, Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize summary publication of the approved ordinance through the following motion:
“Move to adopt Resolution 2015-045, authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 08-121.”
BACKGROUND INFORMATION/STAFF REPORT: The City of Lake Elmo has received a petition from Danielle Hecker, 11658 50th Street North, to amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance to allow Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues as in interim use permit within the City’s RR
– Rural Residential zoning districts. The City Code presently restricts such uses to the A –
Agriculture and RT – Rural Transitional Districts. The City Council reviewed this request at the
6/2/15 meeting. The City Council postponed consideration of the Zoning Text Amendment to seek additional public feedback, as well as a map of potential sites the proposed ordinance would activate.
To follow up on this discussion, staff has attached a map that identifies the Rural Residential
parcels that would be able to be utilized as wedding venues. There are 6 such parcels in the community. The map can be found in Attachment #4. In addition, the City has received additional feedback about the proposal to amend the wedding venue ordinance. The feedback is
collected and attached to this report in Attachment #5.
STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES, THREATS:
Strengths: The Planning Commission found that the ordinance amendment would help
preserve historic agricultural buildings within the City.
The ordinance expands upon the existing ordinance that allows additional opportunities for use of agricultural properties that may no longer be viable as farmland.
Weaknesses: The ordinance would allow the expansion of a more commercial-type of
activity into rural residential areas.
Wedding ceremony venues will generate additional traffic at peak times immediately
prior to and after each event. The venues could potentially generate other negative impacts that need to be managed on the site (noise, trash, parking, etc.).
Opportunities: The potential for re-use of historic buildings that would otherwise have
limited use.
City Council Meeting [Agenda Item 16]
July 21, 2015
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Threats: Wedding venues by their nature will result in the gathering of larger numbers
of people at one location, which can result in some impacts to surrounding properties.
The ordinance establishes standards in order to contain or limit any negative impacts.
RECOMMENDATION: Based on the aforementioned, the Planning Commission and staff are
recommending that the City Council approve the proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance
to allow Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues as in interim use permit within the City’s RR
– Rural Residential zoning districts and to increase the maximum number of guests allowed at
each event from 150 to 200 with the additional restrictions as documented in the attached Ordinance 08-121. The recommended motion to take action on the request is as follows:
“Move to adopt Ordinance 08-121, amending the Zoning Ordinance to allow Commercial
Wedding Ceremony Venues as in interim use permit within the City’s RR – Rural Residential
zoning districts and to increase the maximum number of guests allowed at each event from 150 to 200” In addition, Staff is recommending that the City Council authorize summary publication of the
approved ordinance through the following motion:
“Move to adopt Resolution 2015-045, authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 08-121.”
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Staff Report dated June 2, 2015
2. Ordinance 08-121 3. Resolution 2015-047
4. Map of Possible Rural Residential Wedding Venue Locations
5. Additional Public Feedback Since 6/2/15 Meeting
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CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON
STATE OF MINNESOTA
ORDINANCE NO. 08-121
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE LAKE ELMO CITY CODE OF ORDINANCES
CONCERNING COMMERCIAL WEDDING CEREMONY VENUES AND ALLOWING SUCH
USES AS AN INTERIM USE IN RR ZONING DISTRICTS
SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby ordains that Title XV:
Land Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code, is hereby amended by adding the
following:
§154.400 Permitted and Conditional Uses.
Table 9-1 lists all permitted and conditional uses allowed in the rural districts. “P” indicates a
permitted use, “C” a conditional use, and “I” an interim use. Uses not so indicated shall be considered
prohibited. Cross-references listed in the table under “Standards” indicate the location within this
Ordinance of specific development standards that apply to the listed use.
Table 9-1: Permitted and Conditional Uses, Rural Districts
RT A RR RS RE Standard
Accessory Uses
Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue I I I - - 154.310.D
SECTION 2. The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo hereby ordains that Title XV:
Land Usage; Chapter 154: Zoning Code, is hereby amended by adding the
following:
§ 154. 310 Standards for Accessory Uses
D. Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue. A commercial wedding venue is allowed as an
accessory use with an interim use permit in the A – Agriculture, and RT – Rural Transitional, and
RR – Rural Residential zoning districts on parcels greater than 10 acres size. The establishment
of a Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue on RR parcels is limited to those sites meeting the
following criteria: 1) the site has historically been used as a farmstead for the surrounding
agricultural land; and 2) the use will incorporate a barn or other historical agricultural building
over 75 years of age for the wedding ceremonies.
The suitability of a parcel for a wedding venue shall be determined by the characteristics of
the site and by the unique capacity of the parcel to accommodate the use while preserving the
essential rural character of the neighborhood and the site on which the use is located, by the
ability of the parcel to accommodate the use without negative impact on the general health,
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safety, and welfare of the community, and by other factors the City may deem appropriate for
consideration. The use must adhere to the following standards:
1. Ownership. The property will be the primary residence of the venue operator(s). The
operator must be on the premises for the duration of each event.
2. Maximum Number of Guests. The maximum numbers of guests is limited to 150 200 for
each event.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall become effective immediately upon
adoption and publication in the official newspaper of the City of Lake Elmo.
SECTION 4. Adoption Date. This Ordinance 08-121 was adopted on this 21st day of
July 2015, by a vote of ___ Ayes and ___ Nays.
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL
______________________________
Mike Pearson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Julie Johnson, City Clerk
This Ordinance 08-121 was published on the ____ day of ___________________, 2015.
Resolution 2015-045 Page 1 of 2
CITY OF LAKE ELMO
COUNTY OF WASHINGTON STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-45
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PUBLICATION OF ORDINANCE 08-121 BY TITLE AND SUMMARY WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has adopted Ordinance No. 08-121, an
ordinance to amend the City’s regulations pertaining to Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues;
and
WHEREAS, the ordinance is lengthy; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes, section 412.191, subd. 4, allows publication by title and
summary in the case of lengthy ordinances or those containing charts or maps; and
WHEREAS, the City Council believes that the following summary would clearly inform the public of the intent and effect of the ordinance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo,
that the City Clerk shall cause the following summary of Ordinance No. 08-121 to be published in
the official newspaper in lieu of the entire ordinance:
Public Notice
The City Council of the City of Lake Elmo has adopted Ordinance No. 08-121, which amends
the Zoning Ordinance provisions pertaining to Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues. The
revised ordinance amends the standards for such uses as follows:
• Allowing a Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venue as an interim use within the RR –
Rural Residential Zoning Districts.
• Increasing the maximum number of guests allowed for each ceremony from 150 to 200.
• Adding standards that limit Commercial Wedding Ceremony Venues to sites in RR
Districts that served as the farmstead for larger agricultural parcels and that would be conducted in historic buildings over 75 years of age.
The full text of Ordinance No. 08-121 is available for inspection at Lake Elmo city hall during
regular business hours.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Lake Elmo that the
City Administrator keep a copy of the ordinance at City Hall for public inspection and that a full
copy of the ordinance be placed in a public location within the City.
Dated: July 21, 2015.
Resolution 2015-045 Page 2 of 2
___________________________________ Mayor Mike Pearson ATTEST:
____________________________________ Julie Johnson, City Clerk
(SEAL)
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member
_____________________ and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof:
and the following voted against same:
Whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted.
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Kyle Klatt
From:kmlohmer@comcast.net
Sent:Monday, July 06, 2015 3:29 PM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:Hecker property citizen input
Dear Kyle, I was told that the City of Lake Elmo and council members were looking for feedback regarding the
Hecker property and the conditional use permit. I would appreciate if you could share my letter with
the mayor and council members. Thanks so much.
Thank you for taking the time to read our letter regarding the proposed renovation and wedding
site on the Hecker family's property. The Heckers are friends of my daughter in law and I was told of
the upcoming decision regarding the conditional use permit they are seeking. I did stop by and
observed a most beautiful location for what they are planning to do.
I wanted to write with some thoughts on the upcoming decision. Our family lived in Lake Elmo for 23
years, and 2-1/2 years ago moved into the Audubon development in Baytown Township. We are at
the very back side of the development with woods in the back yard and less than 1/4 mile from 30th
street - and very close to the Camrose Hill wedding event site. On weekend evenings in the summer it is not uncommon for us to hear music playing from weddings
and I have to say that it is a very pleasant sound. It is always quiet by 10 p.m. and it makes me happy
thinking that such a "joyfilled event" is taking place there. I have never heard any complaints since
we've lived here. Because 30th street is the border between Baytown Township and West Lakeland
Township, I made calls to the township chairs, Kent Granulard and Dan Kyllo. (Mr. Granulard's brother actually lives directly across from Camrose Hill.) They both confirmed that there has never
been any issues or complaints and that there is a positive impact to the local community by having
the wedding site there. They have never had any traffic incidents and the event center is for weddings
and receptions as well. I know that the Heckers are only planning on doing the wedding ceremonies
on their property.
I wish you well as you make your decision, and would encourage you allow for this zoning text
amendment and conditional use permit. I think it would add greatly to the Lake Elmo community and
I know that the Hecker family will be very respectful and will take very seriously the terms of the
agreement.
Best,
Greg and Kathy Lohmer
Baytown Township
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Kyle Klatt
From:Marlene <marlenedyer@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 15, 2015 10:04 PM
To:Kyle Klatt
Cc:Jeremy Dyer
Subject:In Response to Lake Elmo Weddings
Hello Kyle, I wanted to reach out to you as a Lake Elmo resident to let you know that I am in support of rural setting
weddings in Lake Elmo. I read in a recent Lake Elmo publication that this topic would be coming up for
consideration soon so I wanted to reach out to you.
As you already know, Lake Elmo is beautiful. The farms and rolling hills are picture perfect as a backdrop for weddings to take place. Recently my youngest sister got married on such a farm, but had to go across the river
to Holton, Wisconsin for her nuptials. Outdoor rustic weddings are a growing trend. Wouldn’t it be great if
Lake Elmo were the place to get married?
I am specifically in favor of Danielle Hecker, as she and her husband seek to restore and preserve the historic buildings on their property and use them to better the community. Inviting people onto their property for
wedding ceremonies would encourage the support of other Lake Elmo business through reception venues,
flowers, catering, etc. What a great way to bring more business into our city.
If our city can set up very specific perimeters regarding parking, traffic flow, times of day, and other requirements that would ensure safely and meet resident’s concerns, I am certain that allowing for rural
wedding venues could benefit our city in a positive way.
Not to point out the obvious, but there is not a lot of pleasant publicity in news about Lake Elmo right now. This is a great opportunity to show our guests the true beauty and history of Lake Elmo.
Thank you,
Jeremy & Marlene Dyer 10316 Tapestry Bend
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Kyle Klatt
From:PAUL H+REV PALLMEYER <pallmeyer@msn.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 13, 2015 10:09 AM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:Proposed Wedding Ordinance
We feel that residents should be able to have weddings and receptions in any size and area of their choosing. While the proposed change expands wedding venues to “rural residential” zones, the limits on the size of both
weddings and receptions should be dropped. Paul and Ruth Pallmeyer, 8989 Lake Jane Trail N.
Sent from Windows Mail
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Kyle Klatt
From:Barb Miller <bkm.miller@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, June 13, 2015 8:24 AM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:Lake Elmo Wedding Proposal
I live at 9240 55th St N and just read the article in the "Review", looking for public opinion on the wedding proposal. I support the right of individuals to have a wedding AND reception in the area zoned rural
residential. I would increase the maximum guest limit to 300.
Barbara Miller
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Kyle Klatt
From:Backberg, Benjamin <BBackberg@fredlaw.com>
Sent:Monday, June 08, 2015 2:07 PM
To:Mike Pearson; Justin Bloyer; Julie Fliflet; Jill Lundgren; annejsmith@msn.com; Dean
Zuleger; Kyle Klatt
Subject:RE: Lake Elmo- Wedding Venue Ordinance Change
I have had a chance to review the playback of the council meeting on 6/2/15 that discussed this topic. I have also been
receiving more emails in opposition to this ordinance change. People are also calling foul on the 750 ft notice. Notice
seems to be a reoccurring theme for meetings, which should be very simple to fix. Is this topic going to come in front of
the council tomorrow night? Please let me know asap. Great if it could be delayed so people can have additional time
to digest the proposal.
I was also very surprised to hear that barn owner plans to book the barn out 2‐3 years in advance—this will not be 10‐20
per year. She is going to try her best to have as many weddings as possible (for her benefit to the detriment of everyone
else around her). This will have a big change on the area, especially on the weekend (when families are out the
most). 50th Street is also set up very poorly for commercial activity of any type. Not to mention, almost all wedding
patrons will not know where they are going, which heightens safety concerns greatly (looking at phones for directions,
etc.). We get countless people lost in our neighborhood because they think Linden goes through.
Happy to discuss this with any of you, but think my view has changed. I no longer think this will be a harmless business
and could be very dangerous, especially for young kids who will venture over there from Sanctuary once the new
development is built out to the south.
Thanks,
Ben
612‐492‐7232
From: Backberg, Benjamin
Sent: Tuesday, June 02, 2015 9:58 AM
To: 'mpearson@lakeelmo.org'; 'jbloyer@lakeelmo.org'; 'jfliflet@lakeelmo.org'; 'jlundgren@lakeelmo.org';
'annejsmith@msn.com'; dzuleger@lakeelmo.org
Subject: Lake Elmo- Wedding Venue Ordinance Change
Importance: High
Council Members,
I have not had a chance to look at the materials in detail on the proposed wedding ordinance change, but was
wondering where you all were falling on the proposal? Seems like a slippery slope. Great if you could let me know your
thoughts as soon as possible. The Sanctuary HOA Board is looking into this matter now and it also looks like it would
directly impact the Gotschal land plat. No on in the Sanctuary neighborhood was aware of this until this morning.
Thanks,
Ben
612‐492‐7232
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Kyle Klatt
From:Wally Nelson <wally@morrowpartnersinc.com>
Sent:Sunday, June 07, 2015 8:16 AM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:Wedding Venues
Mr. Klatt,
I think it is a wonderful idea to allow weddings in these zoning districts.
It is a great way to keep the rural character of Lake Elmo in place and this will allow the old barns with character to be
preserved.
Thanks
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Kyle Klatt
From:guswilt24@comcast.net
Sent:Friday, June 05, 2015 6:56 PM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:Weddings
I enjoyed the presentation given by Danielle Hecker (sp?) and her idea to craft her barn into a wedding chapel/area. I think it would be a great venue to host such a beautiful event. I also think it
would be OK to host weddings at other sites as well.
Thanks for tossing this idea out to the public.
Dana Nelson
2871 Legion Ave N
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Kyle Klatt
From:Paul Huot <p.huot@huot.com>
Sent:Friday, June 05, 2015 1:13 PM
To:Kyle Klatt
Subject:weddings
I think it’s sad that we can’t legally hold a small (100 people or less) wedding and reception in our homes. I am good
with having a permit for weddings and reception over 100 people up to 200.
Paul Huot
4955 Jamaca Ave N
Lake Elmo, MN 55042
p.huot@huot.com
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Kyle Klatt
From:jenniferpelletier@comcast.net
Sent:Tuesday, June 02, 2015 12:47 PM
To:mike pearson; Anne Smith; Justin Bloyer; jfliflet@freshwater.org; Jill Lundgren
Cc:Dean Zuleger; Kyle Klatt
Subject:Fwd: Tonight's agenda item / wedding facility in RR / resend
Hello,
I sent this to the planning commission last week, but I thought I'd send it to the council prior to
tonight's meeting as well. I have been in communication with the applicant and she knows what my
thoughts are; she's a good neighbor and it is not my mission to prevent them from starting a business.
MOST of this note below has to do with the next phase: the interim use permit discussions. Regarding a zoning change, I am not opposed to adding a wedding facility in the RR
district as long as it does not include receptions.
Thank you for taking the time to read my comments before/during tonight's meeting. It is not
necessary to read it aloud; like I said the applicant and I have chatted quite a bit about it.
Have a great day,
Jennifer Pelletier
From: jenniferpelletier@comcast.net
To: "Kyle Klatt" <kyle.klatt@lakeelmo.org>
Cc: "Dean Zuleger" <DZuleger@lakeelmo.org>
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2015 12:13:33 PM
Subject: Fwd: Tonight's agenda item / wedding facility in RR
Dear Planner Klatt and members of the Planning Commission,
I'm writing to you regarding tonight's agenda item: the proposed code change in the RR zoning district
to add wedding ceremonies. Initially, I had no questions or concerns. However, after thinking
through this request (and realizing that we're dealing with a city wide code change), I do wish to
express some thoughts for consideration. I am a previous planning commissioner myself, and live across the street.
Comment/Concern:
1) The ingress and egress ~ 50th street. This road has no shoulder for pedestrian and/or bike
traffic. There are many children in the area that use the road, and it has become not only busier due to through traffic heading to Hwy. 5 or CSAH 17, those who use the road frequently drive well over
the 40MPR limit. In fact, there is a speed indicator sign out on the road as we speak. QUESTION for
the commission: what would adding multiple wedding ceremonies add to this growing
problem? Again, there is no shoulder on this road.
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2) Regarding the overall change in the zoning code: I'm not opposed to this type of business. In
fact, I think it's a wonderful use of space. However, my concern is that a wedding facility in one area
of the zoning district RR could look very different in another area. I'm hoping that the Planning
Commission does its due diligence and not only addresses all areas affected, but considers adjacent
parcels that may be affected as well.
3) New development: the land immediately next to this parcel is slated for a new
development. Where will this traffic flow? Consider this in addition to a wedding facility, on a road
with no shoulder. This is another important question that I'd like the PZ to address.
4) Possible solutions:
a) limited the maximum # of visitors (issue: how would the city monitor this?)
b) discuss/limit the number of ceremonies allowed per day
c) discuss a time of day with which all visitors need to off the premises (i.e.: nothing past 6pm, etc)
To be clear, it is not my intent to come across as though I am against the project. However, as a
previous planning commissioner, these are important questions/concerns that I think deserve to be
addressed. This could have a significant impact on current adjacent parcels, and the future
development that will be coming in right next door.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Pelletier
4884 Lily Ave. North
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Nick Johnson
From:Danielle Hecker <dnhecker@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, July 13, 2015 1:49 PM
To:Kyle Klatt; Nick Johnson
Subject:Fwd: 50th Street Wedding Venue
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
Thank you Kyle…Nick just CC'ing you on one that I received too (along with the council members).
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Jim Hansen <h.wood86@gmail.com <mailto:h.wood86@gmail.com> >
Date: Mon, Jun 29, 2015 at 10:37 PM
Subject: 50th Street Wedding Venue
To: mpearson@lakeelmo.org <mailto:mpearson@lakeelmo.org> , jbloyer@lakeelmo.org <mailto:jbloyer@lakeelmo.org>
, jfliflet@lakeelmo.org <mailto:jfliflet@lakeelmo.org> , jlundgren@lakeelmo.org <mailto:jlundgren@lakeelmo.org> ,
annejsmith@msn.com <mailto:annejsmith@msn.com>
Cc: dnhecker@gmail.com <mailto:dnhecker@gmail.com>
I am writing to the council in regard to the issue of a Wedding Venue on 50th Street North that was discussed at the 6‐2‐
15 council meeting. I live at 11260 50th Street North, which has a spectacular view of the proposed wedding venue, as
evidenced by this photo from my home:
I concur with the Mayor that issues like this tend to bring out the passionate opposition rather than supporters. In fact,
the notification that I had received about this proposal really only asked for concerns to be voiced. Having no concerns, I
did not respond. However, after hearing claims that “everyone with surrounding property is opposed”, I felt compelled
to respond.
I believe that the wedding venue can be something that actually helps preserve the rural nature of the street – seeing
the old barn(s) preserved and restored – as opposed to the “open space” developments that have popped up since we
moved in 25 years ago. I (fondly?) recall spending many mornings and evenings in the old barn helping Martin milk the
cows after he became too short to reach the milk lines. I would hate to see this building removed or run down for lack of
purpose. In fact, seeing the numerous improvements that have already been made to the property over the past few
years has been very encouraging.
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During the council discussions I heard numerous concerns about the increased traffic that would be on 50th Street.
While this venue may add periodic increases before and after a ceremony, it is negligible compared to the increase that
the housing developments (and the inevitable future developments), which feed onto 50th Street, have had (and will
have). I would also like to remind (or inform) the council that 50th Street North is a “State Aid” street. This means that it
had to be designated and designed according to the “state‐aid” criteria in 8820.0700 Subpart 3:
8820.0700 SELECTION CRITERIA
Subpart 1. Basis. ‐ A state aid route must be selected on the basis of all criteria in either subpart 2 or 3.
Subp. 2. County state‐aid highway. A county state‐aid highway may be selected if it:
A. is projected to carry a relatively heavier traffic volume or is functionally classified as collector or arterial as
identified on the county’s functional classification plan;
B. connects towns, communities, shipping points, and markets within a county or in adjacent counties; provides
access to rural churches, schools, community meeting halls, industrial areas, state institutions, and recreational areas;
or, serves as a principal rural mail route and school bus route; and
C. provides an integrated and coordinated highway system affording, within practical limits, a state‐aid highway
network consistent with projected traffic demands.
Subp. 3. Municipal state‐aid street. A municipal state‐aid street may be selected if it:
A. is projected to carry a relatively heavier traffic volume or is functionally classified as collector or arterial as
identified on the urban municipality’s functional classification plan;
B. connects the points of major traffic interest, parks, parkways, or recreational areas within an urban
municipality; and
C. provides an integrated street system affording, within practical limits, a state‐aid street network consistent
with projected traffic demands.
The periodic traffic from weddings will certainly not create serious traffic issues in regard to the street’s design capacity.
Issues in regard to the intersection of 50th Street and Highway 5 are primarily due to the volume (and timing) of traffic
on Hwy 5, not so much 50th St. This is an important issue to be addressed, but it is a separate issue and a distraction
from the Wedding Venue discussion.
Finally, a few commented about noise. I am unaware of wedding ceremonies that produce “noise”; beautiful music, yes!
So, in short, I am very much in favor of this use for the property and urge passing of the tabled motion.
Regards,
Jim Hansen