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Planning Commission Minutes February 25, 2003 Page 2 e protection, wetlands, trees/oaks wilt, reclamation, and the presence of Blanding's Turtles. He noted that when the mining district overlay was established, the property owner at that time chose to be excluded. Mr. Rohlf noted that an Environmental Assessment Worksheet was not required, but that the petitioner chose to complete a discretionary one. Mr. Rohlf reviewed MN/DOT's comments regarding access onto Highway 169. Mr. Rohlf explained that Mr. Schmidt proposes to pave 219th Avenue from the mining site to Highway 169. Mr. Rohlf read a letter from a nearby property owner, Christopher Stokke, expressing his support for Mr. Schmidt's request. City Engineer Terry Maurer stated that it is the City's position to deny the applicant's request to allow slow-moving trucks to cross Highway 169, make a left turn onto the highway, travel 500 feet, and then make another left hand turn across northbound Highway 169 into the site. He stated that to cross the highway twice within 500 feet poses a very significant safety issue and a better route needs to be found. Commissioner Anderson asked if Mr. Maurer has received the details on the drainage and holding ponds he referred to in item #3 of his memo. Mr. Maurer stated that he has not received this information as of this date, but it is his understanding that the information will be provided. e Mr. Rohlf stated given the access issue, staff cannot recommend approval of the zone change and conditional use permit. He stated that if the Planning Commission recommends denial of the request, Mr. Schmidt could continue to negotiate for an easement to access the Elk River Bituminous site, without having to use Highway 169. Mr. Rohlf reviewed possible findings for approval or denial of the request. Commissioner Anderson asked if it is typical for an applicant to not have the wetland inventory and drainage calculations prepared at this point in the review process. Mr. Rohlf stated that it is typical not to have wedand delineation completed given the winter season, but that it is not typical for drainage information to be incomplete. Chair Pederson opened the public hearing. Roger Schmidt, applicant, stated that he disagrees with staff's recommendation, but commended staff for doing an excellent job in working with him. He stated that he feels mining is the best use of the property, noting that there currendy is mining on three sides of the site. Mr. Schmidt stated that gravel is a diminishing resource and that the gravel needs to be mined out before residential development occurs. He stated that although it is not their first preference, MN/DOT will allow the access if auxiliary lanes are constructed. He stated that he has tried to work with the property owner to the south for an easement, but they are not interested. Dave Tobare, Traffic Engineer representing the applicant, explained how the auxiliary lanes would function. Discussion followed regarding the amount of traffic in this area during the middle of the day, versus a Friday afternoon in the summer months. e