4B, Planning Case 09-018, 1901 Lake Valentine Road

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A. Planning Case 09-018; Conditional Use Permit Amendment; 1901 Lake Valentine Road; First Student; - Public Heaping (continued) City options in the area of engine warmers and electrical plug -ins or other options which will reduce the need for the vehicles to run extended periods of time. He asked what the applicant had done in this area. Ms. Elizabeth Garski, 1795 Lake Valentine Road, Arden Hills, asked if the number of buses at the location have increase over time. She also asked how long a Special Use Permit was good for. City Planner Beekman stated that a Special Use Permit did not have to be re -approved every few years, but that once it was approved it remained with the property until that use terminated. Ms. Garski stated that her main concern was the amount of noise. The smaller buses seemed to be noisier than the large buses. She stated that the odor in the winter from the buses idling was also a concern. City Planner Beekman stated that the number of buses on the property does fluctuate during the year. The number of buses on the property at this time is 125 large buses and 35 small buses. Mr. Jeff Pearson, Regional Supervisor of First Student, stated that they are seeing a greater demand for special needs buses and this is why they are requesting the change in the mix of vehicles that they have on the property. He clarified that the new buses that they buy run cleaner than the older ones by up to 50%. The company has also refitted all buses that are dated 2001-2006 with the latest diesel exhaust emissions devices. This was done in conjunction with the Minnesota Environmental Agency as part of their Green Fleet initiative. They will also have concrete block barriers put in place when the new asphalt is done. This will provide a clear barrier that the buses can not cross when parking. Commissioner Thompson asked if the buses are backed in when they are parked.