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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 5 , 2017 5 Mr. Springman stated the County would be spreading the word through social media, local newsletters, signage at the drop off site and through word of mouth. He indicated bags would be available onsite, at County libraries, or at City Hall. Chair Thompson questioned if organics would ever be collected curbside. Mr. Springman anticipated that this would be done in the near future, but could not be done until enough education was provided to the public. Commissioner Zimmerman asked how much of the materials brought to landfills was organic. Mr. Springman estimated that 25% of the material within landfills was organics. He stated there was a significant advantage to separating organics out from remaining waste. Commissioner Zimmerman inquired if the schools and restaurants were working to recycle organics. Mr. Springman reported he had staff working with local restaurants, schools and businesses to increase the level of organics being recycled in the County. Chair Thompson opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. Chair Thompson invited anyone for or against the application to come forward and make comment. Loren Limke, 1888 West County Road E, commented on the history of the open space adjacent to his home. He understood this property was purchased for open space and not as an organics collection site. He read a definition of how open spaces are to be used within the City. He expressed concern with the high levels of traffic and odors coming to and from the yard waste site. He read a portion of City Code pertaining to open spaces stating these sites were not to have any illegal dumping. He requested the Commission deny the County’s Conditional Use Permit request noting this site was not purchased to be a yard waste site. He recommended that Ramsey County conserve this space and not be allowed to further expand the compost site. There being no additional comment Chair Thompson closed the public hearing at 8:04 p.m. Commissioner Gehrig thanked Mr. Limke for the information he provided to the Commission. He understood the current compost site was public land that was serving a public service, and that the County was requesting an expansion of services. It was his opinion that all the proper pieces were in place to allow for the service expansion. Chair Thompson explained the community was creating more waste than in the past and she understood that the County was working to address ways to reduce the amount of waste heading to landfills. She indicated she was a very dedicated organics recycler and had a compost site on her property. She appreciated the fact that the County was working to raise awareness on this issue.