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Planning Commission November 20, 2001 Page 2 into the space. Essenco primarily manufactures decorator candles for home use, 2 Henry stated, and they produce home fragrance products in small quantities. She 3 continued that, according to St. Anthony City Ordinance under Light Industrial, 4 both type of manufacturing processes are not included in the list of permitted 5 manufacturing uses. 6 Henry stated that Essenco's manufacturing process involves melting the wax with 7 hot water heat source and transferring the wax in glass containers. Essenco has 8 stated no residual or waste wax is disposed of. She added that City Staff has been 9 told by Essenco that there is not any pollution emitted by the facility and it is 10 entirely consumed back into the product. 11 Henry indicated that the City of St. Paul, where Essenco has been located, 12 includes wax as a raw material under the Light Industrial zoning district. Henry 13 added that it does not seem like a stretch to include it in the St. Anthony City 14 Ordinance,given the other permitted manufacturing processes that are allowed. 15 Ken Solie came forward and stated that he had nothing to add to his original 16 statement,but was happy to answer any questions. 17 Commissioner Thomas asked what Mr. Solie what he would do if that Planning Commission were to approve this change,and, eventually, there were residents that complained about allergies to the fragrances associated with the wax. Mr. 20 Solie indicated that they would do whatever it takes to eliminate any odor, but 21 stated that they would probably not experience that because of the ventilation 22 system. He added that carbon filters, and/or additional ventilation systems, could 23 be used to alleviate any fragrance problem. 24 Steven Levitus, President of Essenco, came forward to address questions. Chair 25 Melsha asked for Mr. Levitus to briefly explain the process of his'business to the 26 Planning Commission specifically, the manufacturing process. Mr. Levitus stated 27 that it is a very simple process: the purchase of wax in large slabs which is then 28 placed into larger containers to melt them with a hot water boiling system, color 29 and fragrance oils are added to the containers,the wax is then dumped into 30 automatic filling machines which then pour the wax into,primarily, glass 31 containers, etc. He added that the final product is shipped out within a week of 32 being manufactured. 33 Chair Melsha asked about the manufacturing of the fragrance. Mr. Levitus stated 34 that they do not manufacture the fragrance, but that it comes in five, ten, or fifty- 35 gallon drums. He stated that they put the fragrance into the process at a very low 36 concentration in relation to the wax (about two to five percent). Mr. Levitus 37 continued that, like the wax, the fragrance cools within fifteen minutes and is Wfully consumed on the premises. 39 Commissioner Hanson asked if Essenco was currently located near a residential 40 area in St. Paul. Mr. Levitus stated that they were in a mixed area, one that is 41 being redeveloped.