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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION February 5, 2014 5 that the food composting would attract unwanted wildlife. She worried that people would dump their organics in the woods if the gate was not open. She had concerns with the amount of traffic, as over 50,000 vehicles were already visiting this site during the six months the site was open. She recommended that the County offer organics pickup curbside and not push this service off to the seven compost sites. There being no additional comment Vice Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 8:31 p.m. Commissioner Bartel thanked Ms. Cornick and Ms. Gronquist for their comments. He explained he does not live far from the site and had concerns about the smell as well. He understood that the County would be trucking the material off-site and no organic materials would be processed at the Arden Hills yard waste site. Commissioner Jones recommended a closed circuit surveillance system be placed on the site to ensure residents were not dumping leaves and organic materials outside of the collection area. Associate Planner Bachler commented that the Commission could make this a condition for approval if they chose to. Vice Chair Thompson asked for comment from the County regarding this issue. Mr. Springman stated that occasionally bags are left outside the gate and that he is informed when this happens. He reported that employees were required to clear these bags. He explained the site did not have signs were posted on the property. He encouraged residents to contact the County if yard waste materials have been dumped outside the gate. Commissioner Bartel commented that the dumping of organics outside the gate could be more of a concern than bags of leaves. For this reason, closed circuit cameras or County surveillance may be a good idea. Mr. Springman understood this concern. Mr. Schiferl expected that residents participating in the SSO program would be people who are committed to separating organics and would not dump organic materials. Commissioner Hames understood the intent of the program, however, she had concerns with the animals that could be attracted to the site, given the close proximity to single-family homes and walking trails. She had mixed feelings about the entire idea as it would adversely impact the homeowners adjacent to the yard waste site. Vice Chair Thompson announced that Commissioner Holewa has recused himself from taking action on this matter. She commented she composts on a daily basis and believed in this program. However, she understood the concerns on how this program could impact the neighbors and may attract animals. Commissioner Bartel was in favor of requiring the County to monitor the gate and suggested the conditional use permit be reviewed by the City in six or 12 months.