1988.04.06 PC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HUGO PLANNING COMMISSION April 6, 1988 Chairman Senkler called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. PRESENT: Sullivan, Henry, Sonnenfeld, Barnes, Senkler, Mayor Atkinson, Councilman Bob Olson, Adm. Huber, Carole LaBelle ABSENT: Jesinski 5,.pecial Use Permit (John Tf-i Chairman Senkler requested that City Administrator Huber brief the commission members on the John Thommes request. Mr. Huber stated that John Thommes of 8844 No. 122nd St., Hugo, Minnesota has made application to the City for a special use permit to operate a tree service at 1.5457 Jeffrey Ave. in an agricultural zone on the west half of Section 13 identified as Parcel #4 of a previously approved survey. Mr. Thommes has been operating a tree service in the City of Hugo on the site in question and was not aware that he is required to secure the proper permits to proceed with his business. Mr. Thommes trims and removes trees then hauls the brush and wood to his land on Jeffrey Ave. where the wood is separated from the brush and is sold and the brush is burned. All burning on site is regulated by the city's permitting process. Mr. Thommes has agreed that all burning now and in the future will be done in accordance with the fire department's guidelines. Mr. Thommes also states that the property in question will be used only for the separating and burning of brush and all equipment will be kept and maintained at a location other than the Jeffrey Ave. site. The City probably could accommodate this type of use in an agricultural zone but not for an indefinite period of time. If the planning commission recommends approval of this special use permit we would suggest it be subject to special conditions. Mr. Thommes stated that he removes and trims trees and hauls the material to his home site at 15457 Jeffrey. He is currently living at that site and has been operating the business for approximately 4 years. Mr. Thommes stated he obtains a burning permit for each fire. Area residents were concerned with the size of the piles of debris, flying ash, smoke that lingers in the air, the smoke smell which lasts for days, and the possible problem of rodents living in the debris. Mr. Bill Wolf (15575 Jeffrey) stated he does not like the nuisance of the burning but feels Mr. Thommes should be given the opportunity to operate the business without offending area residents by burning in the winter and limiting the size of the wood piles. Mr. Thommes stated that he has water at the site and will be able to better control the smoldering wood. Mr. Thommes stated he would be willing to comply with any requirements necessary for him to operate at this site. Members concurred that this is the type of operation which may be acceptable at this time but not necessarily on a continuous basis. The area is developing as residential and changes in the area should be considered before allowing for a continuous permit. Mr. Senkler stated that Mr. Thommes should be allowed some time to look for an alternate site and begin phasing out his operation.