Minutes - Planning Commission - 04/10/2000 - Special Meeting

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Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Nixt, Dempsey, Kociscak, and Wivoda. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Motion by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Kociscak to recommend Council adopt Findings of Fact and deny the request from Ace Solid Waste for a conditional use permit to construct and operate a transfer station for recyclables and mixed solid wastes. Further discussion: Mr. Berkopec stated tonight a lot of perceptions have been voiced but he does not know what type of additional information is being requested. He noted the Brooklyn Park transfer station is three times the size of what they are proposing. He stated he does not know what else he can do. Commissioner Johnson stated he would like to hear from the City Engineer about the current traffic situation, patterns, and potential impact of this use. He stated the Planning Commissioners did not attend the tour of that facility and noted the Planning Commission is advisory in its role. Commissioner Johnson stated a forum with the adjacent property owners to make them more comfortable with this use would be another issue to resolve. Director of Community Development Frolik stated this will be considered by the City Council on April 25, 2000. Commissioner Wivoda stated if the Planning Commission reconsiders this request, he would like to tour the Brooklyn Park facility if it is scheduled later in the day. Mr. Berkopec noted they need to work within the schedule of the Brooklyn Park facility. He stated they are one of the most regulated businesses in that area due to the nature of the business. He noted the list of significant conditions placed on their use, which none of the adjacent uses need to abide by. He stated that it is difficult to get beyond preceptions but he believes their use will enhance this area. Mr. Berkopec stated they are also putting in an employee picnic area and the owner's office will have the most direct view of the transfer station. He stated they want to locate on this site and will try to make it happen. He noted the City needs to make a decision based on facts, not perceptions. Chairperson Anderson asked who owns the property at this time. Mr. Berkopec stated it is owned by Mate Precision Tooling and Ace Solid Waste has an option to purchase contingent upon approval of their application. Mr. Hamilton stated Ace Solid Waste wanted to locate in Coon Rapids but their regulations for a conditional use permit indicate they cannot include uses with waste material. Because of that, Ace Solid Waste was denied their request to locate in Coon Rapids. Commissioner Dempsey stated it is difficult to digest all the information provided and voiced tonight and suggested the Planning Commissioners review all this information and for staff to provide the answers needed. Mr. Vevea stated when a transfer station is toured, the proximity to the nearest property use must also be considered. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Anderson, Commissioners Johnson, Kociscak, Dempsey, Nixt, and Wivoda. Voting No: None. Absent: None. Commissioner Wivoda excused himself from the meeting for several minutes. OTHER COMMISSION BUSINESS Case #2: Request for Site Plan Review of a Transfer Station; Case of Ace Solid Waste Given the action taken on Case #1, Community Development Director Frolik stated the Planning Commission/April' 10, 2000 Page 11 of 16