2009_0615_ Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

concurred with Commissioner Cook regarding the net carbon footprint with locating the plant in this central location. Commissioner Gottfried noted the lack of public comment regarding this proposed use; and opined that the carbon dioxide impacts from traffic on Highway 36 to residents adjacent on the south would probably have more danger. Commissioner Gisselquist noted that he resided closest to the proposed plant; and noted the background hum of traffic from Highway 36 on a continual basis. Commissioner Gisselquist also noted the lack of neighbors present to comment; and further noted the benefit of having a large industrial area far-removed from residential properties. Commissioner Gisselquist spoke in support of the motion; opining that this was a good use of the site to generate some revenue. At the request of Commissioner Gottfried and for the record, Mr. Paschke verified that the typical public hearing notice was provided; and verified that the application had received a full staff review, including that of City Engineer Debra Bloom. Mr. Trudgeon advised that staff was not as concerned with traffic generation from the site as they were with wear and tear to the roadway; and noted that staff would have a continuing dialogue with the applicant regarding this concern. Mr. Trudgeon advised that, being in an industrial area, the roadway was constructed to higher standards than a standard roadway. Commissioner Best opined that this was a good use of the property; and spoke in support of the motion and of this industrial use. Commissioner Best further opined that he was not concerned with outdoor storage of materials and equipment, since this was an industrial area. Commissioner Best also expressed his confidence that other monitoring agencies provided sufficient environmental safeguards and regulations. Commissioner Wozniak opined that this was our City, and what if those other agencies didn't sufficiently monitor the environmental issues. Commissioner Best opined that, until a zero emission asphalt plant was available, we still needed roads to drive on. Commissioner Wozniak suggested that cities needed to start saying "no," and provide incentive for these companies to come up with new technologies. Commissioner Best noted that this plant represented some of those new initiatives, such as warm-mix versus hot-mix asphalt. Ayes: 4 Nays: 2 (Gottfried; Wozniak) Motion carried.