Minutes - Council - 04/25/2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Case/14: Request for a Conditional Use Permit to Construct and Operate a Transfer Station in the Business Warehouse District; Case of Ace Solid Waste Community Development Director Frolik explained that Ace Solid Waste is proposing to relocate their operation from Andover to Ramsey. The facility will include one building to house their offices and truck terminal and a second building to be used as a transfer station for processing recyclables and mixed solid wastes. City Code requires a conditional use permit for the transfer station part of their operation. The route trucks would enter the transfer station through one of four overhead doors and unload their material onto the floor. The mixed solid wastes are then loaded into open-top semitrailers and recyclables are loaded into either open top or van trailers for transport to final destinations. There is one lowered dock inside the building for loading open top trailers and there is one standard back-in dock for loading van trailers. Recyclables are stored in an area of the building separate from the mixed solid waste tipping floor. Recyclables are stored on the floor in the building until they reach a full semi load capacity. At that time, they are loaded onto the semi trailers and shipped to their final destination. The transfer station also requires permits from Anoka County, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing regarding the request on April 10, 2000. Several area property owners were present to express concerns with or opposition to the proposed transfer station. Their concerns focused on traffic impacts, odors, and rodent control. Subsequent to the Planning Commission meeting, Ace submitted a memo describing the traffic generation related to their operation. City Engineer Jankowski reviewed that information and provided a memo indicating that he does not feel the traffic caused by Ace will have any significant negative impact on the local road system. Also, subsequent to the April 10, 2000 Planning Commission meeting, Ace submitted a letter to City Council affirming their commitment to operate a clean facility that will be an asset to the industrial park and the community. The letter also documents that the Brooklyn Park transfer station has not had a negative impact on adjacent property values and no other negative issues exist according to the Brooklyn Park Planning Department and Environmental Management Department. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the request for conditional use permit. However, the Planning Commission did not have the benefit of that more recent information. Their proposed findings of fact to support denial have been provided to the Council. If the Council is inclined to consider approval of the permit, the findings of fact would have to be revised accordingly. City Attorney Goodrich noted this is not the public hearing, which was held at the Planning Commission but additional comment could be taken. Mike Berkopec, Business Manager of Ace Solid Waste, summarized their company's history and stated they are proud of what they have done to grow this company and are interested in moving to a new facility which will help them continue to grow. He advised of the ownership of Ace Solid Waste, the number of employees, and average wage paid. Mr. Berkopec stated they are a contractor for the City so they are familiar with their operation as well as residents being aware of it. He explained they need this recycling and MSW transfer facility due to the marketplace City Council/April 25, 2000 Page 10 of 29