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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 23, 2001 ') '-J / '\ 'J , \ 'J o o ~ GAY \J.;~ ;L)13jOI CITY of ANDOVER 1685 CROSSTOWN BOULEVARD N.w.. ANDOVER, MINNESOTA 55304. (763) 755-5100 FAX (763) 755-8923 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION MEETING -JANUARY 23,2001 The Regular Bi-Monthly Meeting of the Andover Planning and Zoning Commission was called to order by Chairperson Jay Squires on January 23,2001,7:00 p.m., at the Andover City Hall, 1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW, Andover, Minnesota. Commissioners present: Chairperson Jay Squires, Commissioners Larry Dalien, Douglas Falk, Tim Kirchoff, Mark Hedin, Dean Daninger, and Maynard Ape!. Commissioners absent: There were none. Also present: Community Development Director, Dave Carlberg Others APPROVAL OF MINUTES. December 12,2000 Motion by Daninger, seconded by Hedin, the Minutes be approved as submitted. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, O-nays, O-absent vote. PUBLIC HEARING: AMENDED SPECIAL USE PERMIT (ASUP 01-01)- UPGRADE EXISTING PEAK SHA VING FACILITY - RELIANT ENERGY MINNEGASCO -14327 7TH A VENUE NW. Community Development Director Dave Carlberg explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission is being asked to review the amended Special Use Permit request of Reliant Energy Minnegasco to upgrade the existing peak shaving facility on the property located at 14327 7th Avenue.NW. He stated that if approved all applicable ordinances will be required to be met. He stated that the current peak shaving facility has been in operation since 1967. He also mentioned that the following list of planned upgrades for the facility will make several important improvements which include; additional safety, additional landscaping, and help effectively accommodate the growing natural gas demands in the area. , '\ , J (J Regular Andover PlaWng and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2001 Page 2 Director of Peak Shaving John Heer explained the process that takes place on site of a peak shaving facility, He stated that facilities such as this are used to reduce the cost of gas to customers, in addition to providing gas to all customers in all types of weather. He mentioned that they are proposing to build three additional storage units on site, while removing the already existing metal building once the project is completed, He also mentioned a number of other upgrades they plan to install on site; a remote devise to have the facility monitored round the clock, additional gas and fire detection, and additional landscaping. He stated that one resident has mentioned concerns regarding the noise, however that would be resolved by the additional landscaping. Chair Squires questioned what kinds of additional landscaping would be included. Mr. Heer presented a rough draft of the landscaping proposal. He pointed out the different areas where they would add trees and/or shrubbery. He mentioned that they also would be putting in a drainage pond. Chair Squires questioned if the trees on the north side of the facility are new. Mr. Heer eXplained that they are new trees, however the plan may need to be revised. \ Mr. Carlberg mentioned that the applicant will also be required to do a site plan, since it is being treated as a commercial site even though it is zoned residential. ,/ Commissioner Kirchoff questioned what causes the noise. Mr. Heer explained that the noise is a result of the transfer station, where the pipe from Northern Natural Gas Co. ends and Minnegasco's pipe begins. He mentioned that the reason for the noise is due to the difference in pressure between each pipeline. Commissioner Falk questioned how many more additional homes would they be able to supply once the project is completed. Mr. Heer explained that the project would increase by 10,000 to 12,000 decotherms per day resulting in xx # of homes. Commissioner Falk questioned when the project would be completed. Mr. Heer eXplained that the project would begin this spring and be completed with the three additional storage units by summer/fall of 2002. Commissioner Dalien questioned if it is possible that the facility they are proposing would be outgrown in the near future. Mr. Heer stated that if additional growth were needed it would likely take place on another site. He stated that this site wouldn't be touched again for at least 10 or 15 years. '1 , j Commissioner Hedin questioned the reason the facility is called peak shaving. Mr. Heer explained that the reason is because the facility is used for when Minnegasco is at their peak for providing services. '\ " \ \ j Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2001 Page 3 l) , / Commissioner Daninger questioned if the tanks would be covered. Mr. Heer explained that the tanks would go into the ground approximately two feet and about nine feet would be mounded above ground. He presented a picture to give the Commission an idea of what it would look like. Commissioner Daninger questioned if the process is what makes the noise. Mr. Heer explained that the process itself does make some noise, however the compressors are what make the majority of the noise. He mentioned that when the compressors run it's at their peak load, which is when residents typically have their windows closed. Commissioner Daninger questioned if anyone is on staff at the facility currently. Mr. Heer explained that there are very few times during the year when there is staff on site. Commissioner Daninger questioned how many trucks would be on site per tank. Mr. Heer explained that there would be trucks on site three times per year. " Commissioner Daninger questioned if the reason for a drainage pond is because there is a leakage problem. Mr. Heer stated that there would be a very good gas protection system in place, which would trigger an alarm if there were a problem. He explained that that the drainage pond is strictly for water run off. J Mr. Hedin questioned if there are currently sensors underground that detect if there were a gas leak, and what would be in place for the additional storage units. Mr. Heer explained that currently there are very little sensors that would detect underground leaking. Commissioner Hedin questioned how they would know if there was any leaking taking place. Mr. Heer explained that they would know by a loss of inventory. He mentioned that the upgrades they are proposing for the site would definitely make it a better facility. Commissioner Hedin questioned if the new tanks would have underground sensors. Mr. Heer explained that technically the new tanks would not be underground. Motion by Hedin, seconded by Falk, to open the public hearing at 7:30 p.m. Motion carried on a 7-ayes, a-nays, a-absent vote. '\ ; Rosella Sonsteby, 4151 141 51 Avenue NW, provided a written statement violently objecting the request by the applicant. She complained that her property to the south was rezoned from commercial to residential without her being notified of their intent. She also mentioned that there's at least 600 feet to the back of the Dehns Addition to the north, therefore, she questioned why the facility couldn't be placed in the middle of the Minnegasco property. u U Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes -January 23,2001 Page 4 \ , / Commissioner Daninger mentioned concerns regarding Ms. Sonsteby's statement in that she violently objects to the proposal. He questioned her meaning of the statement and whether or not his safety is in jeopardy. Mr. Carlberg agreed with Commissioner Daninger that Ms. Sonsteby's statement is strong. He stated that he would inquire about the intent of the statement, if the Commission wishes, however, eXplained that Ms. Sonsteby has been a known resident to the City for years and speaks very strongly on her views, but has not been known to be violent. Dennis Thelen, Lot I of the 2nd Dehns Addition, stated that he was at the public informational meeting regarding the proposal. He explained that his primary concern is the noise. He stated that it's almost as if they're living next to the airport all the time. He mentioned that the noise is so loud that it can be heard even when the windows are closed and the air conditioning is running. He agreed that additional foliage and plantings would help. He also mentioned concerns about the additional storage units and their location. / Karen Ames, 4310 144th Lane, questioned the number of occupancies on the property since the traffic seems to be so heavy. She stated that the piping on 7th Avenue is where most of the noise comes from, furthermore the facility is extremely antique and looks terrible. She questioned if they plan to modernize the pipes and/or install plantings around the area. She also questioned who owns the property and where the traffic would be parked once the new storage units are built. She mentioned that it would be nice if telephone numbers were provided to the residents in the area in the case of any emergencIes. Mike McNabb, 4320 144th Lane, stated that his major concern is the noise. He eXplained that he has lived on his property for 24 years and all the while there has been a steady noise generated from the facility. He questioned if it would be possible to decrease the noise with additional plantings. He mentioned that the traffic in and out of the site is substantial. He also questioned if they would be putting in more trees where the tanks are currently located. Chair Squires excused himself from the meeting at 7:32 p.m. Commissioner Dalien took over the Chair responsibilities. " / Edith Craig, 4280 144th Lane NW, commented that when its colder outside the noise seems to be worse. She questioned if Mr. Heer had stated that people would only be on site once a month, since currently there are people on site everyday. She mentioned that there have been a number of incidents where there have been complications and the fire department called, such as the time when. there was an explosion. She agreed that the facility needs to be upgraded, however mentioned that there are issues that need to be resolved. U 0 Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2001 Page 5 / Mr. McNabb stated that there was a time when he called Minnegasco because of a gas smell had filled the air. He mentioned that they did come out and check the site, however, there was no explosion. Ms. Sonsteby stated she is very angry that there is over 600 feet on the other side of the property, therefore, the facility should be placed in the center of the property in order for it to be fair. She stated that she is violently opposed to the proposal. She mentioned that the City rezoned her property to residential, however, she has requested twice for it to be rezoned back to commercial. Acting Chair Dalien stated to Ms. Sonsteby that it would not be possible to zone her property back to commercial tonight. Ms. Sonsteby stated that's discrimination and it's unfair. Motion by Falk, seconded by Hedin, to close the public hearing at 7:49 p.m. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, a-nays, I-absent (Squires) vote. " Acting Chair Dalien stated that the major concerns of the residents are the noise. He questioned if Mr. Heer could make adjustments to the proposal, which would minimize the noise. , J Mr. Heer stated that in one of the phases of the project they would increase the pressure at the point of transfer from Northern Natural Gas Company. He stated that that would help to reduce the noise. He mentioned that they also could install a whisper trim, which would also help to reduce the noise. He stated that they would be happy to make revisions to the landscaping plan to find out the best way to minimize the noise. He stated that he would agree to a condition being added to the resolution if preferred by the Commission. Acting Chair Dalien questioned when the upgrade for the transportation of gas would take place. Mr. Heer stated that that would hopefully take place this summer. Acting Chair Dalien questioned if Mr. Heer could provide the residents in the area with good phone numbers. Mr. Heer stated that that wouldn't be a problem. Commissioner Hedin questioned if it would be possible to enclose the transfer station. Mr. Heer explained that part of it would be enclosed, however, he stated that they would continue to work and find out ways to reduce the noise. Mr. Carlberg stated that if the proposal goes through and there continues to be noise problems once it's completed the City can then look at the noise ordinance. C) U Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes -January 23,2001 Page 6 / Mr. Heer apologized for the additional traffic. He explained that a portion of the area has been used for storing pipe, however it's likely they would be moving off the property. Acting Chair Dalien questioned Mr. Heer on the gas smell once noticed by near by residents and the 35-foot flame, which has been seen from the property. Mr. Heer explained that there used to be a vehicle maintenance garage on site, which is where the explosion took place, however, it was unrelated to the peak shaving plant. He stated that the odor issue is an ongoing concern between Minnegasco and Northern Natural Gas, however, they're continuing to work on the problem. He also explained that the existing facility has a flare that is used sometimes, however there would be no need for this flare with the new facility. Commissioner Falk questioned if there is security fencing surrounding the area. Mr. Heer explained that there is fencing around the property. He also mentioned that he would gladly provide phone numbers to the residents in the area in case of an emergency. Commissioner Daninger questioned if the high-pitched noise was there when the facility began. Mr. Heer explained that the noise is related to the transfer of gas, therefore, it's likely it has been there for sometime. ."- / Ms. Ames mentioned that this past year was the worst for noise. Commissioner Daninger questioned if the contractors on site would no longer be there once the project is completed. Mr. Heer explained that it's possible there would be some contractors on site once the project is completed, however, most would be moved off site. Mr. Carlberg suggested the Commission add a condition to the recommended motion stating that all contractors be moved off site by the time the project is completed. Acting Chair Dalien stated that if they would like to use a portion of the property for storage on a temporary basis, it would be possible for them to reapply for a permit. He mentioned that this way residents would be informed and could have a voice in the decision making process. Commissioner Daninger questioned why this site was picked for the facility. Mr. Heer explained that they picked this site because of the 5 tanks that are already there, which will prevent them from having to run additional piping. Commissioner Daninger questioned if there would be an optimal location, which would make it a better visual as a whole. Mr. Heer stated that he wasn't sure if it would be possible, since it's in a low area and if they were to move it north the elevation rises. / C) 0 Regular Andover Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes - January 23, 2001 Page 7 , J Ms. Ames questioned ifMinnegasco owns the property. Mr. Heer stated that Minnegasco does own the property. Mr. Carlberg stated that he would recommend adding some additional conditions to the resolution. He suggested that Reliant Energy Minnegasco upgrade the Northern Natural Gas Transfer Station to eliminate the existing noise and provide plantings to screen the facility from noise, furthermore that the temporary parking and storage of equipment and materials on the site shall cease immediately and into the future. Also that the flare for gas/propane burnoffbe eliminated and that substantial progress is made within the first year of issuance of the amended special use permit. He recommended that Reliant Energy Minnegasco have two (2) years to complete the project upgrades. Commissioner Apel stated that he supports the idea to upgrade the facility. He questioned if the City has an ordinance regarding the fencing and the additional plantings in a residential area. Mr. Carlberg explained that once the commercial site plan is submitted city staff would be able to examine concerns such as: setbacks, landscaping, and codes, etc. Acting Chair Dalien mentioned that this may address some of Ms. Sonsteby's concerns. " I Commissioner Hedin questioned if there were any conditions attached regarding the noise when the original facility was built. Mr. Carlberg stated that he did research the original documents, however couldn't find any information regarding that facility. He reminded the Commission that if the noise is not resolved once the project is complete the City can take a look at the noise ordinance. Mr. Carlberg suggested adding a sunset clause to the recommended motion stating that substantial progress be made in the 151 year and that the project be completed in two years, which would help it stay on track. Commissioner Hedin agreed with Mr. Carlberg's suggestions as additional conditions. Motion by Hedin, seconded by Daninger, to recommend to the City Council approval of Resolution No. _' approving the amended Special Use Permit for Reliant Energy Minnegasco to upgrade the existing peak shaving facility on the property located at 14327 7'h Avenue, subject to the following conditions: , / 1. That the applicant receive commercial site plan approval from the City. 2. The proposed upgrades comply with all applicable federal and State codes regulating the transportation of natural gas, propane storage and local building and fire codes. 3. Reliant Energy Minnegasco shall upgrade the Northern Natural Gas Transfer Station to eliminate the existing noise and to berm and provide plantings to screen the facility from noise. l) Regular Andover Plann)~ and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes -January 23,2001 Page 8 , J 4, The temporary parking and storage of equipment and materials on the site shall cease immediately, 5. The flare for gas/propane burnoff shall be eliminated. 6. Substantial progress shall be made within the first year of issuance of the amended special use permit as provided in Ordinance No.8, Section 5.03. Reliant Energy Minnegasco shall have two (2) years to complete the project upgrades. Further Discussion Commissioner Falk questioned if Commissioner Daninger was comfortable with Ms. Sonsteby's written statement. Commissioner Daninger stated that he just wanted to bring it up in the minutes that he was concerned about her statement that she was "violently opposed" to the proposal. Mr. Carlberg stated that most everyone who knows Ms. Sonsteby understands she speaks passionately and strongly on her views, however, she would never mean any physical harm. Ms. Sonsteby again stated she was "violently opposed". " , " , Acting Chair Dalien stated to Ms. Sonsteby that the public hearing was closed and that she was out of order. Motion carried on a 6-ayes, O-nays, I-absent (Squires) vote. Mr. Carlberg stated that this item would be considered at the February 6, 2000 City Council meeting. OTHER BUSINESS. Mr. Carlberg updated the Commission relative to Council actions on planning items. Mr. Carlberg explained that a focus group is being created with residents from all walks of life to discuss the possibility of a Community Center. If anyone is interested applications are due on February 15,2001. He stated that the reason for the focus group is to find out if residents truly want such a facility, and if so how would it be funded. Mr. Carlberg stated that interviews were conducted for the Planning Commission. Chair Squires was re-elected and also appointed as the Chair. Commissioner Apel and Paula Larson are alternates and Rex Greenwold will be taking Commissioner Apel's position on the Commission. " , J f \ Regular Andover Plann'ri/g and Zoning Commission Meeting Minutes -January 23,2001 Page 9 /) '.- J ADJOURNMENT. Motion by Falk, seconded by Hedin, to adjourn. Motion carried on 6-ayes, a-nays, 1- absent (Squires) vote. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara Beck, Recording Secretary TimeSaver OjJSite Secretarial, Inc. \ , / " I , ./