2015.04.28 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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April 28, 2015 if the City completed an environmental impact study. He asked if the MPCA would approve of the proposed expansion. He feared that song birds and flora would be impacted by the salt sales. He indicated the reverse osmosis process to remove salt from waterways was extremely expensive. He clarified that the number of trips to the site should be doubled as the truck would need to enter and exit the site, which means there would be 12 trips per day. He encouraged the Council to protect the environment and not allow for the expanded salt sales for MPI. Mayor Jacobsen reported he was an environmental manager for a large corporation for many years and traveled to many states due to his abilities in managing the EPA. He explained that the EPA does not currently regulate salt and noted that it was a necessity for Minnesota winters. He indicated that he has no issues with MPI and appreciated that Mr. Murlowski has addressed all of the City's previous concerns. He reiterated that Mr. Murlowski was proposing to store salt in the same manner as the City of New Brighton. Councilmember Bauman asked how much space would be used for pile storage. Planning Director Gundlach explained that staff was recommending the site use eight acres for pile storage, while Mr. Murlowski has requested 11 acres. It was noted the salt storage would be included in this calculation. Councilmember Burg questioned if the application had enough conditions in place to offer approval this evening. She inquired if the matter should be tabled for further consideration at a fidure Council meeting. Planning Director Gundlach stated additional conditions could be added to limit the numbers of trucks, while also regulating the hours of operation. She indicated it may be difficult for staffto regulate these requirements, but they could be added. She noted that if the Council did not take action on the request this evening, a 60 day extension would be required. She explained that City Attorney Gilchrest had prel --w-e i the necessary paperwork, should the applicant agree to a 60 day extension. City Manager Lotter reported that failure to meet the 60 day timefiame, without an extension from the applicant would mean the request would be approved. Mayor Jacobsen did not believe it was necessary to table action on this request. He stated that the Council has held a lengthy discussion regarding the matter and he was in favor of the Council taking action this evening without further delays. Councilmember Burg was concerned that the Special Use Pen-nit did not have enough conditions or restrictions. She explained the Council should consider all of the concerns voiced this evening to ensure that all noise and environmental issues were being properly addressed. Planning Director Gundlach reported that staffwas not proposing the Council deny the entire request, but rather deny just one portion of the request (the salt storage and transfer facility). She recommended that the Council discuss this further and provide direction to staff on how to proceed if additional conditions were necessary. Mr. Murlowski understood the environmental concerns of handling salt and appreciated the presentation from the Applewood Pointe president. He provided further comment on how he would be managing the road salt transferring and sales. He indicated that the building the salt would be stored in would have a surface that could not be leached. Councilmember Bauman questioned if the Council could approve the business expansion and separate out the salt sales at a future meeting. She stated this would allow for the Council to address the road salt details further prior to granting final approval. She understood that two of the Planning Commissioners did not support of the request. She believed that additional conditions regarding the road salt storage and transfer facility were necessary prior to being approved. She did not oppose the remainder of the agreement. City Attorney Gilchrest reviewed the recommendation made by the Planning Commission noting this would allow for the salt storage and transfer facility. He advised that staff's recommendation would not allow for the salt storage and transfer facility. If this recommendation were to proceed, the applicant could reapply for the salt storage and transfer facility. He commented there was not an option available to the Council to separate out salt storage issue, unless the applicant would agree to a 30 day extension. Councilmember Jacobsen stated if the applicant agreed to the 30 day extension the matter could be tabled. City Attorney Gilchrest reported this was the case. Mr. Murlowski asked if a 30 day extension would require Planning Commission review and approval. City Attorney Gilchrest explained that the extension would not require Planning Commission review, as the matter would only come back to the City Council. Page 9 of 11