2015.04.21 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner McPherson questioned if the applicant has discussed with staff how often rail cars would be located within their 1,000 foot siding. Planning Director Gundlach deferred this question to the applicant. She believed that this information was uncertain at this time. Commissioner Deick inquired if the applicant were to build an enclosed structure if staff would support the new building. Planning Director Gundlach provided an overview of the discussions staff has had with the applicant regarding changing the principle use on the Belair expansion site to warehouse. She indicated the applicant was not interested in pursuing this option. Commissioner Deick asked how salt would be transferred from the rail cars to the storage shed. Mike Murlowski, Murlowski Properties, explained that the drop bottom rail cars would be brought into the siding and the salt would be dropped onto a conveyor, which would be conveyed to the storage shed. He commented that the salt would then be stacked and stored, then loaded onto dump trucks for resale. Commissioner Deick questioned how the applicant would address ground contamination. Mr. Murlowski reported that the proposed transfer method would ensure that no contamination would occur. In addition, the salt would be stored in an enclosed building with a hard surface to ensure there was no leaching. Commissioner McPherson inquired how many truck loads would be taken out of the site each day for salt sales. Mr. Murlowski proposed to do 13,500 tons in salt sales annually. He reported that this was not a new use to him but rather an expansion of a current use. He anticipated that this would equate to 50 extra truck loads per month. He explained that road salt was an important part of his winter business. He believed that the proposed expansion to his business was a reasonable ask. Commissioner Danger questioned how many tons a typical dump truck carried. Mr. Murlowski stated a dump truck could hold 22 tons. Commissioner Nichols - Matkaiti inquired how salt was currently being brought to the salt. Mr. Murlowski commented the salt was brought in by truck. He stated it would be in his best interest to use rail cars, unload them and have them move on quickly from his site or he would be charged storage fees. Commissioner Danger asked when the salt sales would occur. Mr. Murlowski reported the sales would take place November through March. Commissioner Danger reviewed the amount of sales Mr. Murlowski had projected and explained it would be closer to an addition 100 trucks per month based on his projected sales. Mr. Murlowski did not believe that the extra truck traffic would impact the City. Commissioner Danger questioned how high the 100 x 100 foot building would be. Mr. Murlowski indicated the building would be 16 feet in height. He stated that this sized building would allow for fewer deliveries. Commissioner Deick inquired if the applicant was averse to enclosing the building on all four sides. Mr. Murlowski believed this was necessary and noted the building would be open on the east side for transfer purposes. Commissioner Danger feared how the City would be impacted by salt fragments that could escape the semi - truck trailers while being brought in or out of the City. Mr. Murlowski explained the trailers would be sealed and did not believe this would be an issue. He reported this was an expensive commodity and vendors would not want to lose product in transit. Commissioner Danger inquired how the City would monitor the 110 day rail car requirement. Planning Director Gundlach reported the applicant would be responsible for keeping a rail car log, which would be inspected by the City on an annual basis. Revocation of a special use permit could be considered by the City if all conditions were not being followed by the applicant. Commissioner Deick believed that the rail cars would not be noticeable from surrounding properties. Planning Director Gundlach commented that residents would be able to see into the Belair property from the Long Lake Park picnic structure. She discussed the proposed trail expansion that would be completed along the creek by Ramsey County. Mr. Murlowski did not believe that pedestrians walking on the adjacent trail would be able to see into his property given the 50 foot change in elevation between the trail and his property. He discussed the additional screening he would be providing on his property to screen Old Highway 8. 7