HomeMy WebLinkAbout1992.04.22 PC MinutesAiril 22, 1992
The regular meeting was called to order by Chairman Peltier at 7:05PM.
PRESENT: Mezzano, Rubenzer, Oswald, Olsen, Peltier, Carole LaBelle.
ABSENT: Davis
Chairman Peltier requested that Vice Chairman Mezzano conduct the meeting
due to the fact that she has a severe cold.
Mr. Allen Barnard, attorney for River City Asphalt (RCA) submitted a
written report summarizing their responses to the questions raised at the
public hearing on March 25, 1992 which will be on file in the city clerk's
office. He also stated that they are investigating the possibility of
directing half of the traffic to the north and half to the south with an
exit directly onto County Rd. 8A.
Commissioners questioned whether there is sand washing being done on site,
why the 3 gas lines on the property were not identified on the map and why
there was 100' of one line exposed, and why there were tree stumps and
debris piled on site.
Bruce Folz stated that the previous operator did sand washing on site,
however RCA was not. Mr. Folz stated he would be submitting a map and
written report regarding the impact on the watershed district. Ken
Swanson, supervisor at the gravel pit stated he was aware that a portion
of one line was exposed for the purpose of being capped and he does know
precisely where each gas line is located on site. He also stated that the
debris was from Hugo's CIP Phase 2 Project and will be burned when a
burning permit is issued.
Attorney John Bannigan, spokesman for the surrounding residents met with
the applicant and Mr. Barnard to discuss the proposal. Mr. Bannigan
stated the date of the original permit should be established, what the law
in Oneka Twp. was at the time of issuance, and whether or not a legal
non -conforming use can be expanded?
Area resideits again expressed their concern regarding noise, odor,
traffic, long term operation, and deprivation of the use of their own
property. They felt that the City of Hugo now has the opportunity to
choose the direction in which Hugo, as it is today, is to go. Other
concerns included, no business telephone number to call with complaints,
no address on the pit, so when a complaint is received by Washington
County, it is filed under the complainants address. Acting Chairman
Mezzano closed the public hearing.
Chairman Peltier felt this was a valuable natural resource which should
not go to waste by denying this request. Other commissioners concurred
that the community had changed significantly since the original permit was
granted and the concerns of residents must be seriously considered in
making a decision on this request. Commissioner Olsen stated that if the
mining and bituminous plant were separate issues he may view the request
differently.
Motion made by Mezzano, seconded by Olsen to recommend denial of the
request by River City Asphalt for an Amended Special Use Permit to expand
their gravel pit from 40 acres to 120 acres as described previously for
the following reasons:
1. The Planning Commission considers the operation a legal non -conforming
use and should not be intensified.
2. The asphalt plant and gravel pit are not being dealt with as separate
issues and commissioners feel the bituminous plant should not be
permitted in the agriculture district.
3. The Planning Commission wants to minimize land use conflicts.
Members voting AYE: Rubenzer, Oswald, Olsen, Mezzano
Members voting NAY: Peltier
Motion passed.
Motion made by Mezzano, seconded by Rubenzer to adjourn at 9:28.
All aye, motion passed.
Carole LaBelle, Secretary
Hugo Planning Commission