Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/04/1997

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Zoning Administrator Frolik reported that there is a pre-existing propane air peaking plant located at 7615 - 173rd Avenue NW in Ramsey. The plant is owned by NorAm Management and has been in operation since 1976 without benefit of any conditional use permit. The property is zoned R-1 Rural Residential for which utility facilities are not a specifically permitted use. Therefore, staff has determined that the existing facility should be considered lawful non-conforming under current zoning regulations. NorAm is proposing to expand the facility to include an additional 30,000 gallon propane tank and upgrading vaporizers, compressor and blender. She explained that the plant converts liquid propane to a vapor and mixes it with air to give it characteristics equivalent to natural gas. During peak use periods or severe weather conditions, this propane mixture is injected into the natural gas system to enhance the capacity of the natural gas system. Ms. Frolik reported that the Planning Commission met and discussed safety issues such as potential for fire and trespassing. The applicant informed them that the propane in the tanks is in liquid form and liquids don't explode. The biggest risks are vapor leaks that create fire hazards. The operation of this type of facility must be in compliance with the National Fire Protection Association. The Planning Commission also requested the application of barbed wire to the top of the security fencing to enhance its effectiveness. She pointed out the findings of fact included with the case. Councilmember Haas Steffen noted that Ms. Frolik had reported that the biggest risk is vapor leaks and fire. Ms. Frolik replied that NorAm has applied to the fire agency for their permit and their operation will be reviewed by these fire agencies. Dean Kapler, City of Ramsey Fire Chief, stated that the City of Ramsey is not a stranger to propane as we have two plants and the Department is well trained. He added that he would like to do a pre-plan. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt Resolution #97-01-010 adopting Findings of Fact ~s0415 relating to NorAm's request for a conditional use permit. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Beyer, Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Motion by Councilmember Haas Steffen and seconded by Councilmember Beyer to adopt Resolution g97-01-011 approving NorAm's request for a conditional use permit and that the permit include the site schematic requested by the Ramsey Fire Department. Motion carded. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Haas Steffen, Beyer, Beahen and Zimmerman. Voting No: None. Case #3: Mining and Grading Permit for Lot 1, Block 5, Rum Acre Estates; Case of Robert W. Berglund and Juniper Ridge Partnership City Engineer Jankowski explained that Rum Acre Estates was platted in 1974, however, Lot 1, Block 5 of the subdivision was encumbered with a temporary drainage easement until an outlet for the drainage no longer required that the lot itself be utilized as a reservoir for the drainage of the surrounding area. An outlot for this lot was constructed in 1990, as part of the utility work for the Juniper Woods Development. The lot owner has taken steps to remove the temporary drainage easement on the property, and on November 26, 1996, the City Council agreed to declare the condition of the temporary drainage easement met contingent upon compliance of certain requirements. Mr. Jankowski observed that this land parcel was intended to be a site for a single family home over 20 years ago. The placement of the fill and grading in conformance with the City Council/January 14, 1997 Page 7 of 13 MI'/