09-07-2005 Planning Commission Minutes - Special Meeting

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16. The proposed use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. There are several extractive uses in the surrounding area, including in Pequot Lakes, Breezy Point, and Ideal Township. There is a large extractive use on the adjacent properties to the south of the subject property. 17. The proposed use will not be injurious to the public as necessary permits for stormwater and pollution control were obtained, as well as permits for noise and air emissions. The proposed use will be temporary and also will not pose a threat to groundwater quality. 18. The proposed use will not be injurious to the use and enjoyment of property in the immediate vicinity. There are few homes in the area that are located more than 1000 feet from the proposed extraction area and other neighboring properties are either undeveloped or contain extractive uses themselves. 19. The proposed use will not impede the normal and orderly development of surrounding vacant properties for uses predominant in the area as this is a temporary use and the neighborhood is largely zoned for agriculture and forestry uses. 20. The proposed use will not require public facilities or services at public cost as the applicant has indicated that they will maintain their haul route. Section 8.5, Subdivision 3 of the Ordinance does contain a provision requiring the applicant to furnish a bond to guarantee that rehabilitation, reclamation, and restoration are completed to the satisfaction of the City. 21. The proposed use will not create traffic congestion on Wild Acres Road as the road does not have a high traffic volume and the addition of ten to fifteen trucks is unlikely to create congestion. 22. The applicant has indicated that no parking changes will take place at this site, but has not indicated where employees will be parking. However, given the size of the site,there is more than ample space for off-street employee parking. 23. The applicant has obtained a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency regulating air emissions and noise levels. The applicant has also indicated that they intend to meet all EPA noise level requirements and do not plan to use blasting or other explosives at the site. In addition,the applicant has indicated that dust will be controlled with regular watering of the haul road and site entrance, with application of calcium chloride if needed. 24. There are not any significant historic, natural, or scenic features located on the property that would be damaged or destroyed by the proposed use. 25. The proposed use will not contaminate groundwater as the proposed extraction shall take place at least five (5) feet above the water table, if not more. In addition, the necessary stormwater management permits have been obtained to control stormwater onsite and prevent erosion. There nearest surface water body, Island Lake, is more than 3,000 feet to the north of the property, so it is unlikely that the proposed use will pollute surface waters. subject to the following conditions: 1. The berms shall be vegetated per Stormwater NPPDES requirements, in such a way as to screen the excavation area from view and to serve as a noise buffer for area residences. Special Planning Commission 4 September 7, 2005