Planning Commission Minutes

September 6, 2007 - 7:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

 

1.         Call to Order and Flag Pledge.

Commission Chair Vince Johnson called the meeting to order.              

 

2.          Roll Call.

Chair Vince Johnson and Commissioners Randy Dahlheimer, Steve Fowler, Bob O’Brien, and Kevin Faulds were present as was City Council Liaison Scott Hoke, City Planner Erin Stwora and City Engineer Mark Hanson.

 

3.         Approval of the Agenda.

The agenda was approved by consensus.

 

4.         Open Forum.

Chair Johnson opened the open forum.

No one came forward for open forum.

Chair Johnson closed the open forum.                       

 

5.         City Council Update.

Council Liaison Hoke provided the update.

 

6.        Consent Agenda.

A.  Approval of the August 2, 2007 Planning Commission meeting minutes.

 

Motion to table minutes by Chair Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, All ayes.

 

7.         Metro Appliance Recycling CUP     

Planner Stwora presented an overview of the project. 

 

Council Liaison Hoke questioned who owned the building the business would run out of.  Jason Warehime of Metro Appliance Recycling stated Greg and Lavonne Dehn currently own the building.  Chair Johnson questioned if it was all indoor.  Warehime stated all storage would be indoor.  Commissioner Faulds questioned how the material is received.  Warehime stated residential and commercial are their primary services and pickup appliances.  Commissioner Fowler questioned the traffic impact on the area.  Warehime stated only his vehicles, a flatbed and a semi trailer flatbed and two part-time employees would be in the area.  Planner Stwora stated more vehicles in the area would increase the chances of a stop light at 113th Avenue North and County Road 81 serving 113th Avenue North and Wicht Industrial Park.  Warehime stated he is in favor of a future stop light.  Commissioner Faulds questioned the process.  Warehime stated Freon is the primary concern facing appliance recycling.  The Freon is collected which allows further disassembly.  The metals are taken to a metal scrap recycler, the Freon is picked up once all tanks are full.  Commissioner Faulds questioned how long Warehime had been in business.  Warehime stated he has been in business for one year from his home in Otsego.  Chair Johnson questioned if computer monitors or other hazardous materials were collected.  Warehime stated the monitors are not disassembled at his facility.  Warehime stated Mercury and PCB is found in some appliances.  Commissioner Fowler questioned if computers are processed.  Warehime stated the computers are disassembled and separated.  Chair Johnson questioned the space of the facility and how much storage would be in the space.  Warehime stated the space is 3,000 sq. ft. including an office and restroom.  Warehime stated turn around time is quick and not many items are stored, those that are stored are stored indoors included most vehicles.  Commissioner Dahlheimer questioned if the business grew quickly where appliances would be stored.  Warehime stated if the business grew quickly and storage space was needed outside he would approach the City.  Planner Stwora stated the fenced area would need to be screened and the CUP would state no outdoor storage is permitted but would be looked at on a case by case basis.  Planner Stwora questioned the Planning Commission for a consensus on the CUP document with no outdoor storage or equipment/vehicles/machinery stored overnight not belonging to the business allowed.

 

Chair Johnson opened the public hearing.

 

Cathy and Knute Anderson of 11371 East French Lake Road stated she is firmly against the industrial use park because of noise and pollution issues.

 

Commissioner Fowler questioned the hours of operation.  Warehime stated he would operate a standard 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. business day.

 

Commissioner Fowler questioned the amount of noise generated.  Warehime stated he would not be using grinders or loud machinery.

 

Chair Johnson closes the public hearing.

 

Motion to approve CUP with additional findings by Commissioner O’Brien, second by Commissioner Fowler, all ayes.

 

8.      New Business.

Commissioner Fowler requested discussion regarding the public landing/boat launch on Diamond Lake.  Planner Stwora stated the Park Commission could work with the DNR to begin researching the issue.

 

Recommendation to have Council Liaison Hoke speak to the City Council regarding the Public Access on Diamond Lake by Commissioner Fowler.

 

Future and Continued Planning Commission Agenda Items.

 

9.         Staff Notices and Announcements.

A.     The City Council meetings at which the above item may be considered will be held on September 25, 2007.

B.     The next Planning Commission meeting will be held on October 4, 2007.

 

 

10.       Adjourn.

Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner O’Brien, seconded by Commissioner Fowler.  Ayes:  All.