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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20110927 PCM RM Minutes PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 PAGE 1 Call to Order: Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, September 27, 2011. Chairperson Powell called the meeting to order at 6:30p.m. with Commissioners Demuth, Irving, Weber, Ege, Miller and Dinella were present. Also in attendance were Senior Planner Zweber, Project Engineer Olson and Recording Secretary Hanson. The Pledge of Allegiance was read. Additions to Agenda:None. Audience Input: None. Consent Agenda: a. Approval of August 23, 2011, Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION by Irving to approve the Consent Agenda. Second by Ege. Ayes: 7. Nays: None. Motion approved. Public Hearings: a. Feed Products Planned Unit Development Final Development Plan and Lot Split (11-28- Senior Planner Zweber stated that Feed Products North, Inc., located at 13095 Courthouse FDP). Blvd, is proposing to construct an 88 foot radius concrete dome to store fertilizer. Feed Products is requesting a planned unit development (PUD) to deviate from the 300 foot setback standards to locate the dome a minimum of 75 feet from the south and east property lines. The public hearing for this item was opened at the August 23, 2011, meeting and continued to allow Feed Products to submit complete plans. Mr. Zweber reviewed the staff report and the applicant’s plans. Applicant was present but did not speak. The public hearing was re-opened at 6:47p.m. There were no public comments. MOTION by Irving to close the public hearing. Second by Demuth. Ayes: 7. Nays: None. Motion approved. Public hearing was closed at 6:48p.m. Commissioner DiNella asked if there was any concern about the explosive dangers of ammonium sulfate. Mr. Zweber responded that ammonium nitrate is the chemical used in explosives and that ammonium sulfate is relatively safe. He further stated that staff has discussed it with the fire marshal and he does not have any issues. Commissioner Miller asked what steps were taken for dust suppression and whether or not there will be any monitoring of the site. Mr. Zweber stated that the unloading would be done through the bottom of railcars, the loading through a hopper right into the trucks and the dome is completely sealed off, so he is unaware of any other technology that would further prevent dust from escaping. He further stated that there have not been any discussions regarding monitoring the site for dust suppression. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 PAGE 2 Chairperson Powell invited the applicant to address the questions asked by the Commissioners. Applicant, John Fallin of Feed Products North, approached the Commission and stated that ammonium nitrate is the dangerous chemical used in explosives. He stated ammonium sulfate is stored currently on site and has been for 15 years, but that now they are improving the facility’s storage containment and unloading and handling the material by creating the dome. He further stated that they are creating new handling equipment which should help with dust suppression. Commissioner Miller asked the applicant if there would be vapor barriers installed and whether or not any of the surrounding properties should be concerned with exposure. Mr. Fallin responded they have made improvements to decrease the amount of dust that escapes but the product generates a low amount of dust. He stated their plant in Maplewood is surrounded by R1 and R3 zoning districts and they have had no concerns or issues from the neighbors. With respect to the vapor barriers, Mr. Doug Rohkohl, engineer on the project from VAA, LLC, approached and stated that in their soil boring investigations, they did not run into the water table at the point of 25 feet. If the water table was at or near the bottom of the receiving pit, they would have a vapor barrier installed, but ground water was not observed in any of the borings. Commissioner Miller then asked the applicant if they were comfortable with the security at the site. Mr. Fallin replied that they have a fence around the property, it is gated and the site is videotaped. Chairperson Powell asked whether or not the stormwater requirements would require the applicant to significantly alter their proposed site plan. Project Engineer Olson stated with respect to the proposal for the dome and road, there is additional information required to confirm the design. He further stated that based on the approximate layout and sizes, it appears they will meet the stormwater requirements but they do need to provide additional submittals. Mr. Olson stated that the remaining comments are regarding the driveway access and the applicant would be required to store the quality and quantity of the runoff of the driveway on their property. The Hawkins site plan has already accounted for the water drainage runoff for the driveway on the Hawkins side and in this design they have included the entire drainage so that would need to be revised, but it appears that if they slide the ponds over, the design would work. Mr. Zweber provided a background of the engineering memo comments with respect to the drainage basins between the Hawkins and Feed Products sites. Chairperson Powell asked if all industrial applicants meet with the Fire Marshal and/or Fire Department to go through the site. Mr. Zweber stated that is generally the practice and has occurred with both Hawkins and Feed Products. MOTION by Ege to recommend approval of the Planned Unit Development Final Site & Building Plan, subject to the following conditions: 1.The setback to the south property line and the east property line for structures less than 250 feet tall shall be 75 feet. 2.Submission of a Landscape Plan that fulfills the requirements of the equivalent of 66 caliper inches of trees. Trees should be concentrated along the north street frontages in the location of the water main construction with a minimum spacing of one tree per 50 feet and along the east property line. 3.Paving and curbing of the entire gravel area between the rail lines to the north, the A-frame building to the south, the A-frame load out to the west and the dome load out to the east. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES SEPTEMBER 27, 2011 PAGE 3 4.Removal of the proposed 150 foot diameter storage dome on the north side of the site because it does not meet the 300 foot setback requirement from Minnesota Highway 55. Compliance with the comments and conditions within the City Engineer’s Memorandum dated September 21, 2011. Second by DiNella. Ayes: 7. Nays: None. Motion approved. Commissioner Miller asked staff if there were any concerns that the applicant and neighboring properties may not agree with the stormwater management requirements. Mr. Olson confirmed that the applicant will be able to provide a design that will meet the requirements. Mr. Zweber added that all three properties owners are applying for permits at the same time and that in the approval of those permits, the joint stormwater issues will need to be addressed. Provided that the applicant provides the additional information required in the recommended action, Mr. Zweber stated this item will go before the City Council on October 18, 2011. Old Business None. : New Business None. : Reports Mr. Zweber stated there will be a work session after the regular planning meeting on : th October 25 to discuss the public and institutional zoning text amendment. Chairperson Powell asked for an update on UMore planning. Mr. Zweber updated the Commission on the AUAR scenarios status, a possible gravel mining timeline and the newly install wind turbine. Adjournment There being no further business to come before this Commission, Chairperson : Powell adjourned the meeting at 7:08p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Kathie Hanson, Recording Secretary