Minutes - Council - 09/10/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Site "P". If Council chooses to approve the request for a yard waste compost facility in the Site "P" buffer area, City Staff will most likely recommend that City Council rescind their previous resolution. Secondly, the size of the proposal is troublesome. Rutger's manual says size is a major concern along with availability of water and provisions for turning the materials. Edward Morsefelder, Attorney for Waste Management of Minnesota, Inc. was present and referred to Council Resolution #90-02-48 and noted that the proposal for a yard waste compost facility is temporary in nature intended to coincide with the projected four and one half year permit remaining on the landfill. The yard waste facility would serve as an interim use of the land while the landfill is being completed. Mr. Morsefelder stated that yard waste composting is not a landfill activity and the proposal is for a temporary use of land adjacent to the landfill. Mr. Morsefelder stated that he believes that conditional use permit application for a yard waste facility is operating within the confines of the City's Zoning Code for an industrial use. Mr. Morsefelder noted that Ramsey's Planning and Zoning Commission found the proposal to be an acceptable use in the industrial zone. Mr. Morsefelder stated that he does not interpret the subject resolution to be taken as an attempt to amend the zoning code but rather as a statement of the Council's preference as to the use of the property. In considering this request for a conditional use permit, the City Council has to take into consideration the criteria for granting a conditional use permit. Councilmember Pearson inquired if any of the yard waste material would be landfilled. Mr. Terry Miller replied that the only connection between the yard waste compost and the landfill is that the material would be used to enhance the top soil at the landfill in preparation for its closing. Councilmember Pearson noted that in the process of composting, nutrients are burned up and inquired as to why the landfill does not disc and plow the yard waste into the soil immediately and in so doing eliminate the odor problem. Mr. Miller replied that Waste Management is trying to provide a service to the area since there is a ban on depositing yard waste into landfills. Mr. Miller stated that he will also take Sharon Dahlgren's comments into consideration for a more detailed proposal. Upon inquiry, Mr. Miller indicated that yard waste will be accepted from private individuals and commercial haulers. Councilmember DeLuca inquired if WMMI would be purchasing a windrow machine. Mr. Terry Miller replied that the facility will be provided with a windrow machine on an as-needed basis but they are willing to provide a windrow machine at the start up of the facility. Mr. Hartley stated that if City Council is inclined to approve the request for a conditional use permit they should take into consideration the size which is proposed at 23,000+ tons. If a conditional use permit were issued for that amount, the City would not have the expertise to evaluate and permit a facility of that size. Mr. Hartley suggested that if granted, the permit initially be issued for a 10,000 ton facility. Mr. Otto noted that most other yard waste compost facilities are located considerably farther away from residential neighborhoods. Councilmember DeLuca stated that approving the request for a conditional use permit could be setting a precedent. The potential would be there to use the borrow area right up to the right~of- ways, the potential would be there to store equipment and the potential would be there for other landfill related activities. Council recessed at 9:05 p.m. Mayor Reimann called the meeting back to order at 9:26 p.m. City Council/September 10, 1990 Page 6 of I0