06-09-11 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION JUNE 9, 2011 35 years, and lumber still comes packaged the same way. Wenner indicated that he would remain in the lumber business and would not bring in any other product. Wenner also indicated that he had a brief discussion with the Fire Marshal relative to his proposal, and was told that the Fire Marshal would not object to the lumber being stacked 20 feet in height. Wenner noted that he is requesting 14 foot high stacks, but would love to have 20 feet which would increase his storage capacity by 40 %. The 14 feet proposed was believed to be a happy medium that the business could live with, yet still be functional from an economic standpoint. Knudsen asked if Wenner would commit to the plan he has before the Commission. Wenner replied that he would, and noted that he understands the City's position. He indicated, however, there are substantial soil issues with the property in the area, especially this back property. Duray asked if the storage area would be full at all times. Wenner replied that that depends on what is going on in the lumber industry. He noted that they are speculators, trying to buy low and sell high. He currently has 2.5 million board feet on the site, and his proposal before the Commission is for 11 million board feet. Pechmann asked how often inventory turns over. Luke Wenner replied that it turns over every 2 to 3 months. Pechmann asked about the spoilage factor. Robert Wenner replied that they have no spoilage. He again noted that they sell industrial wood products. Any wood that is not used for this purpose is sold to be ground into landscape wood fibers (not done on this site). Fischer stated that the issue of permanent outdoor storage is the issue. He asked the City Planner if the PUD Permit could be specific to this business, and would that be an acceptable option. The City Planner indicated that in a PUD Permit, the City must deal with the land use. Ownership is something that the City cannot regulate. Barraclough asked if the City could approve this site plan for any business dealing with wood products. The City Planner replied that that could be done, and another owner could come in and operate the same type of business under the same terms. however, if the property becomes vacant for a year or longer, the PUD would expire. Hall asked if 20 foot high storage piles were an option. Wenner noted that he has not asked for that height. The City Planner indicated that the City can negotiate any terms it feels comfortable with. If Wenner has not asked for a 20 foot height maximum, he could ask for it now. Hall asked if the permit could be amended at a later date. The Planner noted that any future Council could amend the permit. -5