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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 5 , 2017 9 Senior Planner Bachler reported Ramsey County submitted a Conditional Use Permit application in 2014 for SSO collection at the Arden Hills yard waste site (Planning Case 14-008). The application was denied at that time due to concerns that the service would affect the use of the park and neighboring properties by increasing odors, litter, and traffic, and attracting unwanted wildlife. Ramsey County has since implemented SSO collection at the six other yard waste sites in the County. Senior Planner Bachler indicated at the City Council Work Session on May 15, 2017, Ramsey County Environmental Health staff presented collection data and observations from the first three years of SSO collection (2014-2016) at the six County yard waste sites (Attachment B). Participation in the program has increased steadily from approximately 24,000 total site visits in 2014 to nearly 52,000 visits in 2016. Ramsey County reported there have been no issues with odor, vermin, or increased traffic associated with SSO collection at the other sites. Based on the discussion, the City Council recommended that Ramsey County reapply for a CUP for SSO collection at the Arden Hills site. Senior Planner Bachler stated the existing Arden Hills yard waste site occupies approximately 1.5 acres of land on the western side of Tony Schmidt Regional Park south of the Canadian Pacific Railroad line. The site is accessed by an approximately 600-foot long driveway at the end of Hudson Avenue off of New Brighton Road. Operating hours are currently Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and on weekends from April through November. If SSO collection were to be added, site hours would be expanded to include weekends during winter months (December – March). Senior Planner Bachler reported the SSO collection area would consist of one or more covered containers that would be placed on the eastern side of the site separated from the yard waste facilities. Ramsey County uses a standard four cubic yard container for SSO collection. Senior Planner Bachler commented accepted materials would include food waste and scraps, and various types of non-recyclable paper. All SSO materials are required to be placed in a compostable bag, which are provided to residents by the County at no cost. Dry paper products, such as pizza boxes, can be placed directly into the collection container. The collection containers are kept closed when yard waste sites are not open and are serviced at a minimum of once a week by Ramsey County’s contractor, Waste Management. Senior Planner Bachler stated the Arden Hills yard waste site is currently staffed by site monitors who would also serve as quality control for SSO dropped off by residents. Additionally, Ramsey County would implement a promotion and education program to generate interest and educate the public on what materials are acceptable. Site Data Land Use Plan: Parks and Open Space Existing Land Use: Parks and Open Space Zoning: Parks and Open Space District Current Lot Sizes: 91.24 Acres Topography: Rolling terrain