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<br />MINUTES 5 <br />Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br />March 19, 2015 <br /> <br />during day light. Small contractors in the area get all of their aggregates. He suggested <br />using the crusher only during daylight hours in the summer. He wants to be good <br />neighbors. Ms. Brown asked how often they would operate 24 hours. Mr. Wickham <br />stated it would be consistent 5 to 6 days a week, Monday through Friday, maybe <br />Saturday morning, for 2 weeks. <br /> <br />Planning Commission Member Habein stated there are two kinds of crushers. Mr. <br />Wickham stated they use cone crushers; they are quieter than the others. <br /> <br />Mr. Larson asked if there is any way to get around an ordinance, to change it or to get a <br />variance from an ordinance. Chair Seils stated there are ways to change an ordinance <br />but any changes would not affect this application. <br /> <br />Mr. Larson asked why the gravel for the highway couldn’t be gotten from the area <br />nearest to where it is to be used. Mr. Wickham explained why their application for a <br />new pit on Highway 371 several years ago was denied. <br /> <br />Planning Commission Member Habein asked Mr. Wickham if there are any items on the <br />public’s list of concerns that Anderson Brothers could comply with without affecting the <br />gravel pit operation. Mr. Wickham stated that the noise is already governed by the PCA. <br />The City could review the CUP every 2 years; if Anderson Brothers breaks the <br />conditions, they are done. Mr. Habein asked if there is any way to control the dust. Mr. <br />Wickham stated they will not be crushing for asphalt. There is a lot of dust when <br />crushing for asphalt. He stated they will put millings on the haul road and there will be <br />no dust from that. The everyday traffic will use the Swenson pit on Nelson Road. <br /> <br />Mr. Larson asked to update the berm standards and stated the vegetation is not enough. <br />Mr. Wickham stated he understands their concerns and wants to alleviate them. The <br />crusher does make noise. <br /> <br />Planning Commission Member Brown asked Mr. Wickham if he would be open to <br />reducing hours. Mr. Wickham stated 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM are the trucking hours. If the <br />length of time of the crusher is shortened, you extend the longevity of it. <br /> <br />City Planner Burslie stated the Planning Commission can approve, deny or table the <br />application to address concerns. The City has 120 days to make a decision. The Staff <br />Report contains solid Findings of Fact and Conditions. A Condition could be added for <br />berm height. <br /> <br />Planning Commission Member Wilson stated the neighbors could complain to the state <br />regarding the dust. Mr. Wickham stated OSHA makes inspections and that their <br />employees have to work in that environment also.