2015.06.16 PC Regular Meeting Minutes

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b. A maximum of 91 dB within a 250' — 375' radius of the helipad and a 12 hour average decibel level of no more than 78 dB. C. A maximum of 84 dB within a 375'— 800' radius of the helipad and a 12 hour average decibel level of no more than 81 dB. Compliance will all Building Code provisions, including removal of the entire building foundation related to the previously planned, but never constructed 9,000 SF building approved via the 2007 PUD. Approval of this Special Use Permit shall constitute amendment to the 2007 PUD, eliminating the 9,000 SF building from the planned development approval. The applicant shall work with the Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with the Fire Code. This includes submission of an Emergency Response Plan, access/egress standards, no smoking signs, and proper helipad grading to ensure fuel leaks are directed away from access/egress points and passenger holding areas. Commissioner McPherson asked what hours the helicopter could land on the helipad. Planning Director Gundlach explained staff was proposing landings occur from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Commissioner Danger feared how residents surrounding Long Lake would be impacted by landings. He expressed concern that APi has already been illegally landing a helicopter near their site and questioned if their disregard for City regulations would continue. He believed the proposed decibel levels for the helipad were troublesome. Commissioner McPherson inquired if the City was making an exception for the AN helipad. Planning Director Gundlach reported this was the case and has been discussed with the City Attorney. Commissioner Danger questioned why AN needed a helipad. Kirk Chalmers, APi, reported the owner of APi travels from Duluth to Minneapolis via helicopter to manage his business. For this reason, a helipad has been requested. Commissioner Erickson asked how long a landing or take -off would take. Mr. Chalmers estimated that a landing and take -off would take approximately five minutes. He noted that the owner of APi has a Bell 429 helicopter, which was one of the quietest models being manufactured for civilians. Commissioner Erickson questioned if the helipad would be made available for emergency personnel. Planning Director Gundlach reported that emergency personnel are able to land where ever space is available and the helipad could be used in an emergency situation. Commissioner Danger inquired who would pay for a sound study if complaints were voiced in the future. Planning Director Gundlach commented that the City may be required to hire an engineer in order to ensure the applicant was acting within required noise levels. Staff would only investigate a noise analysis if complaints were received from the public. Commissioner Erickson asked if the flight path would ever change. Mr. Chalmers indicated the flight path would always remain east to west or west to east. If weather did not permit a landing in New Brighton, the pilot could opt to land in St. Paul. Commissioner Erickson questioned if there would be more or less landings in the winter months. Mr. Chalmers reported that Mr. Anderson winters in Florida, and for this reason, there would be no landings in the winter months. Commissioner Deick inquired if the helipad would be removed if AN were to sell their property. Planning Director Gundlach noted that the Special Use Permit would run with the property and not the property owner. Chairperson Howard reiterated that the number of landings allowed was specific within the proposed Ordinance. Planning Director Gundlach stated this was the case. She then provided further comment on grandfathering rights. 3