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Mounds View Planning Commission December 5, 2007 <br />Regular Meeting Page 7 <br />______________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Mr. Warnell reported on locations where Ferrellgas tanks are located much closer to residential <br />areas than the 1,000 feet proposed in Mounds View. He commented they also adhere to static <br />electricity safety precautions. <br /> <br />Commissioner Meehlhause questioned whether the City of New Brighton made any attempt to <br />find another location in New Brighton for Ferrellgas. <br /> <br />Mr. Wahlert replied they did work with them, however, a suitable location could not be found in <br />New Brighton. <br /> <br />Commissioner Meehlhause questioned the practice of storing old equipment. <br /> <br />Mr. Warnell replied the current location is about four acres, but the new location would not have <br />the same storage capabilities. The previous property owner had left some old equipment and <br />because there is space, tanks and equipment tend to accumulate. <br /> <br />Mr. Warnell commented that when the new plant is built, the number of tanks allowed there <br />would be explicit. He stated Ferrellgas plans to be a good neighbor and would store tanks <br />appropriately. <br /> <br />Dave Fox, President of Fedtech, 4763 Mustang Circle, stated 60 employees are on site during <br />two shifts and the odor is important to him. He asked Ferrellgas if they could guarantee that he <br />would not encounter the smell when he had clients on site. <br /> <br />Mr. Warnell replied he could ensure him that the odor would be controlled. <br /> <br />Mr. Fox stated he wanted proof from Ferrellgas. He asked who would pay for lost production <br />costs if they needed to evacuate or who would explain to his customers why they could not meet <br />a schedule because of Ferrellgas. He stated the byproduct of his business is sparks. He stated he <br />believes the smell of propane could cause employees to panic. He stated there would be security <br />issues as this area is out of site. Mr. Fox sited a propane explosion occurrence that resulted in <br />the evacuation of hundreds of people. He stated he is concerned that approving the location of <br />Ferrellgas would negatively impact the businesses and residents of this area in numerous ways. <br />Mr. Fox presented information he printed from the internet to the Planning Commissioners. <br /> <br />Attorney Kimmel responded to the issues brought up by Mr. Fox. She assured everyone that the <br />issues would be addressed to the satisfaction of everyone. She stressed that Ferrellgas is willing <br />to take proven reasonable steps to minimize the risk and comply with the code. She reiterated <br />that Ferrellgas is located in metropolitan areas throughout the country. <br /> <br />Mr. Warnell reiterated the locations of Ferrellgas in many similar industrial areas. He stated that <br />well over 100 of the more than 2000 nationwide locations are in metropolitan areas. He assured <br />everyone they are willing and prepared to take the steps required to minimize risk. <br />