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He was notified of potential violations of the city code regarding illegal <br />dumping when he was caught dumping trees in the gravel pit area to the <br />west of his proposed site. Although Mr. Olsen's proposal may be to split <br />and process firewood on his site our concern would be that it would end up <br />just another dump site for his tree removal service. The staff noted it's <br />concern that Mr. Olsen intends to pull in large logs and piles of brush to <br />be stored on site until they can be burned or disposed of in another <br />manner. The problem with this proposal is that you can end up with a <br />couple of dry summers with no burning permits issued and can ultimately <br />end up with a rather substantial mess that is too costly to clean up and <br />may set a precedent for similar types of sites elsewhere in the <br />community. The staff suggested that all members of the planning <br />commission visit the site in question and note the type of activities <br />taking place. It was pointed out that once a permit is issued it is going <br />to be extremely difficult for anyone to interpret what is and isn't <br />firewood, as well as, whether the site in question ends up a dumping area <br />or a legitimate wood splitting operation. If the planning commission <br />feels that the activities in question are consistent with the city's <br />comprehensive plan and activities in this area, we would recommend that <br />said permit be subject to special conditions. <br />Mr. John Olsen stated that he was unaware of illegal dumping. He stated <br />that he only burns in the winter. Mr. Olsen agreed to eliminate the pile <br />of limb wood in the rear of his property. Mr. Olsen stated the property <br />would be for his personal use only and that no other tree service or <br />dumping would be permitted on his land. Mr. Olsen informed the commission <br />that the material brought to his site is disposed of annually. Mr' Olsen <br />has other locations where he disposes most of the material from his <br />business. The wood brought to his residence is strictly for firewood. <br />Chairman Senkler requested comments from the public. Mr. Andy Goiffon <br />stated that he was responsible for the dumping in the gravel pit in 1988 <br />and John Olsen should not be blamed for his mistake. Area residents Norm <br />Danner, Larry Hanson, and Andy Goiffon stated John Olsen has been a model <br />neighbor and they have no objections to his operation as it exists. They <br />feel Mr. Olsen keeps the area clean and has helped in the cleanup of the <br />neighborhood. <br />Chairman Senkler stated that when this type of operation has been allowed <br />in the past it very often becomes an eyesore for the community. He stated <br />it is virtually impossible to regulate the activity on site. Commissioner <br />Barnes felt the planning commission would have to be explicit as far as <br />what is allowed and not allowed if this application was approved, as the <br />same type of request was denied to another applicant. Commission members <br />agreed that the previous applicant created the objections to his operation <br />through his negligence and disregard for area residents which resulted in <br />the denial of his application, which is unlike Mr. Olsen whose neighbors <br />support him. <br />Motion made by Henry, seconded by Oswald to recommend approval of the <br />Special Use Permit for John Olsen to process and store firewood on his <br />property (7.75 acres) described as part of the southeast 1/4 of the <br />northwest 1/4 of Section 23, T31N, R21W, P.I. Number subject to the <br />followinq special conditions. <br />P.C. Minutes 4-26-89 <br />