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PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 13, 2012
PAGE 1
Call to Order:
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a work session meeting of the Planning Commission was
held on Tuesday, March 13, 2012. Chairperson Powell called the meeting to order at 7:10p.m.
with Commissioners Demuth, Weber, Irving, Miller, DiNella and Ege present. Also in attendance
were Senior Planner Zweber and Recording Secretary Hanson.
DISCUSSION:
Senior Planner Zweber stated that on February 28,
5.a. UMore Gravel Mining Update (10-01-ME).
the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing for the text amendment proposed to the
Zoning Ordinance to allow Large Scale Mineral Extraction as an interim use within the AG:
Agricultural zoning district. Three letters were submitted to the City before the meeting from
residents, six residents spoke at the meeting including one that submitted his written notes, and
Dakota Aggregates submitted a comment letter about their concerns with specific sections of the
th
proposed Ordinance. Mr. Zweber stated he anticipates an approval at the March 27 Planning
Commission unless new substantial testimony needs to be considered.
Mr. Zweber stated most of the written comments and public hearing comments pertained to dust
and noise concerns which are handled in the ordinance under the Performance Standards of
Section H. He further stated the City does not have a specific ordinance that deals solely with
noise. Since no operations are allowed on the weekends, this should alleviate several concerns of
residents.
Mr. Zweber asked for comments from the Planning Commissioners.
Commissioner DiNella expressed his concern with the height of the berm and noise from the
tailgates of the truck slamming shut. Commissioner DiNella also asked how the City was going to
benefit from the gravel mining.
Mr. Zweber explained that the height of the berm and the distance it will be away from the two-
story houses in the Bloomfield addition creates more of a straight line from the homes and they
should not be able to see over the berm. With respect to noise created by tailgate slamming, Mr.
Zweber stated that it would only be in violation if the decibel level is above the PCA requirements
and the hours of operation and setbacks of the loading area will help address any noise heard by a
resident. Mr. Zweber explained that the City will receive gravel taxes based on the tons or yards
that are mined and also property taxes that are not received through University use.
Commissioner Miller stated he felt the area containing the ancillary activities should be zoned
industrial. Mr. Zweber explained that having the ancillary activities as an interim use allows the City
to regulate how long they operate which would not be possible if the area was zoned industrial.
Commissioner Powell asked of the potential of discovering pollution on the site during mining and
the procedures involved in that case. Mr. Zweber stated that will be more addressed during the
permit stage.
Commissioner Miller asked if there is something in place to prevent materials in getting back into
the mining area as a result of runoff. Mr. Zweber stated that once the facility is established, staff
will tour and inspect it thoroughly for those details.
Mr. Zweber reviewed the modifications requested by Dakota Aggregates.
PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 13, 2012
PAGE 2
Applicant, Pat Mason with Ames Construction was present and approached the Commission to
explain the purpose of the casting yard section G.2.d. and stated that the majority of the casting
would take place inside but that in some events, it will need to take place outside, weather
permitting, with large concrete sections.
With respect to the dust control section, Commissioner Powell suggested that instead of it
depending on “high wind days” which is hard to define, it should be defined as “days of excessive
dust” and not related to a specific cause such as high wind.
With respect to the section of the ordinance on Significant Transportation Corridor, Commissioner
Powell expressed his concern that two years may not be a long enough period of time for the
permittee to complete the required reclamation.
Commissioner Demuth suggested a definition of “clean fill” be included in the ordinance.
Old Business None.
:
New Business None.
:
Reports None.
:
Adjournment There being no further business to come before this Commission, Chairperson
:
Power adjourned the meeting at 9:21p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathie Hanson, Recording Secretary