Minutes - Planning Commission - 07/07/1997

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With regard to the mandatory EAW, City Engineer J'ankowsld explained that as the proposal was originally submitted and area measured, it was very close to the 40 acre size designated by the Environmental Quality Board as the threshold for requiring an EAW. He explained the area was measured twice and it is easy to recontour the area so the area falls below the 40 acre threshold. City Engineer Jankowski commented that if an EAW is required, he believes there would be very little new information generated except for an assessment about endangered species, architectural, or historic resources on the project. He stated Staff's recommendation is if the Planning Commission is comfortable with the amount of information presented, they should take action on the CUP tonight. But, if they feel having that additional information from the EAW would influence the decision, then the motion should be contingent upon a finding of no environmental impacts. He noted that since the original recommendation, the area has been reduced to 39 acres. Acting Chairperson Deemer asked if the City can still request the EAW (even if below the 40 acre threshold). City Engineer Jankowski advised it is possible to request a discretionary EAW. City Engineer Jankowski reviewed the County permits that will be required for this project. With regard to noise and dust control, he referred to the standard conditions included in permits to minimize dust by limiting the work to a five acre parcel at a time. Also included are conditions to prohibit any excavation when wind gusts are at a certain level. If excessively dusty, the City can order they use water to wet down the site. With regard to the $10,000 bond, he stated if viewed as 39.9 acres and 700,000 to 800,000 cubic yards of material, it may not appear adequate. However, this project will be conducted in five acre phases and one must be completed prior to the start of the next phase. City Engineer Jankowski stated this has been the standard bond with grading projects. Commissioner Thorud inquired whether there were set hours of operation. City Engineer Jankowski stated they are from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Planning Commission proceeded to review the Findings of Fact. Motion by Commissioner LaDue and seconded by Commissioner Terry to accept Findings of Fact Nos. 1 through 11 as presented. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Deemer, Commissioners LaDue, Terry, and Thorud. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairman Bawden, Commissioners Jensen and Holland. Motion by Commissioner Terry and seconded by Commissioner LaDue to accept Finding of Fact No. 12 as amended to indicate 39 acres. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Acting Chairperson Deemer, Commissioners LaDue, Terry, and Thorud. Voting No: None. Absent: Chairman Bawden, Commissioners Jensen and Holland. Motion by Commissioner LaDue and seconded by Commissioner Thorud to accept Finding of Fact No. 13 as amended to indicate 800,000 cubic yards. Planning Commission/July 7, 1997 Page 2 of 9