12-12-2013 Planning Comm. Minutes

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION DECEMBER 12, 2013 Knudsen felt that it was difficult to act on this application until all the information is before the Commission. Wenner indicated that dependent on what is required and the associated costs, there may be adjustments to their request. Wenner noted that the additional storage requested on the west side of the property adjacent to the railroad tracks would be for convenience and efficiency of operation, but not critical to their business. Wenner stated that they have to consider what the City might approve, what makes sense, and what is reasonable. He commented that the site is well screened, has good access for their business, and, to his knowledge, there have never been concerns expressed by neighboring properties. Wenner indicated, however, that it will not be feasible to spend a great deal of money to gain additional storage and efficiencies. Knudsen stated that the City does not want to make Wenner's business more complicated. He indicated, however, that the Commission and the Council have worked hard to clean up the City and to control outdoor storage. Knudsen expressed concern about raising stack heights to 20 feet relative to fire- fighting capabilities. He indicated that he is not inclined to approve the increase in stack heights as it would seem reckless to do so. Wenner stated that he would like some clarification from the Fire Marshal as in discussing the issue with him, it did not appear he had concern with the 20 foot stack heights. Wenner thought that the Fire Marshal's main concern was road access for fire equipment. Wenner indicated that the access lanes are paved with gravel, but some of that gravel is ground in and agreed it could be supplemented. Wenner pointed out that the lanes are used by their large trucks, and they need to have drivable access to operate the business. The City Planner stated that he was not sure the Fire Marshal had a concern with the stack height other than the general ability to fight a fire in the storage area. The Planner indicated that his impression was that that the Fire Marshal's main concerns related to access and water flows. Schwalbach suggested that an increase in the stack height exacerbated the ability to fight a fire in the storage area. Barraclough asked Wenner to describe the outdoor storage area. Wenner described the existing outdoor storage plan which shows the existing 14- foot high stacks outlined in red. The new outdoor storage areas are outlined in green, and Wenner pointed out that the request is to increase stack height to 20 feet. He indicated that for storage purposes and to keep like product together, product bundles work best in multiple of twos. He indicated that there would be times when the stacks would be less than 20 -4-