07-25-2000 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission Minutes July 25, 2000 Page 8 . Bob Jones, CEO for Pouchpac Industries (Softpac), stated that the equipment which was designed in Germany is proposed to produce 400 to 600 pouches per minute, compared to 100 -120 produced by CapriSun, the only other comparable product available. He stated that the packing is environmentally superior to any packing on the market today, because it is thin and flat when empty; less than 20 percent of other packaged drinks. He explained that the unique process allows the products to be packaged without preservatives. Products include juices, protein based drinks and medical uses for tube feeding. Mr. Jones projects 360 million pouches will produced the first year. The facility will employ approximately 60 people when they open, and 150-200 people when fully expanded. John Dennis, representing Opus Northwest, explained that the operation will be "high-tech", employing 60 - 80 people at $13.00 - $17.00 per hour. There will be 9 product lines and production is expected to be 1.2 to 1.8 billion pouches a year, per plant. Each new facility will eventually carry one of the product lines. Mr. Dennis discussed the economic benefit to the Elk River area. . Roger Johnson, representing the applicant, explained how the building was designed around the equipment it is intended to house. He discussed how the storage vessels or "silos" have been incorporated into the aesthetics of the building. Mr. Johnson reviewed the proposed future expansion. He stated that the existing berm will be built up to create more of a buffer to the adjacent residential area and will be heavily landscaped. Mr. Johnson noted that all of the parking on the attached site plan demonstrates adequate space if it is required, but it is likely it will not be necessary to build this much. Michele McPherson, explained that a conditional use permit is required to allow construction of the five 12'x37' above-ground storage tanks. Ms. McPherson reviewed issues regarding setbacks, parking, traffic circulation, building materials and elevations, landscaping, grading, drainage and signage. She noted that the storage tanks will be approximately 3 feet higher than the building. Ms. McPherson stated that the landscaping and parking proposed by Softpac exceeds the minimum standards. Staff recommends approval of the request for above-ground storage tanks with the four conditions listed in the staff report. Commissioner Kuester stated she had concerns regarding the hours of operation, truck traffic, waste, and noise. Ms. McPherson stated that liquid waste would be discharged into the sanitary sewer system which has the capacity to handle this amount. Any paper waste would go to the landfill. She explained that a self-enclosed compactor would be located on the east side of the building, so there will be a limited volume of paper waste. Ms. McPherson noted that staff has requested a concrete wall be built around the compactor. . Mr. Jones stated that they expect to go on line June 2001, and will be running a first shift 7 days a week. By the end of the year they hope to add a second shift and eventually a 3rd shift. He expected there will be 10 to 15 trucks per day coming in and 25 going out. When fully expanded, it is anticipated there will be 30 - 50 trucks a day coming in and 70 going out. There will be no equipment