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Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 2024 --------- Page 4 of 5 Josh Blaisdell, Otsego, introduced himself as the general manager of operations for Envrio-Chem, Inc. and provided background information on the current operations of Envro-Chem in Rogers and Anoka. Commissioner Bland stated his only concern was amending an ordinance in a zoning district that would allow other businesses to operate and may not operate as well as Enviro-Chem. He asked about operations in an industrial zoning area. Mr. Blaisdell stated this location near Home Depot and Wal-mart makes the operations more visible to the public, and most electronic recycling is located in industrial areas and not convenient to residents. He feels this will raise more awareness and ease for people to recycle instead of throwing things in the garbage. Commissioner Bland asked if there were other paths for the applicant to be allowed to operate in the proposed location. Mr. Leeseberg indicated the city cannot give a variance for a use. He outlined the I1 and I2 areas in the city where this use would be allowed and there are very few districts that are zoned business parks and allow this use. Commissioner Zahler asked for clarification of a business park. Mr. Leeseberg explained the business park category is a more aesthetically pleasing district with higher design standards, deeper setbacks, and more visible rather than hidden, appealing to the eye with less intensive uses. Commissioner Bland stated this company states they operate on a spectrum of cleanliness and his concern is opening the door with similar categories that aren’t as neighborly, with some being pretty industrial, and noted there is a reason why there are industrial parks. Commissioner Zahler asked about conditional uses in a business park. Mr. Leeseberg reviewed the uses of Business Parks and what is allowed, permitted, accessory and conditional, and what would distinguish this proposed use from a light industrial use. Mr. Blaisdell stated electronic recycling gets lumped into the definition of car scrap recycling processing centers even though their activities aren't the same. He stated their battery operations involve the removal of a battery from recycled electronics and then packaged for shipping following USDOT regulations. He stated their future shredding operations would require air quality monitoring by the MPCA. Mr. Leeseberg discussed that a new definition of electronic recycling could be created that doesn't lump their activities in with cardboard, cars, glass, tires, etc. A conditional use permit would regulate the site as well, to ensure there aren't any negative impacts. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to consider supporting the creation of a new use/definition that more closing aligns with the applicant's operation for inclusion in the Business Park District.