8.3. SR 05-15-1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Memo to Planning Commission Page 2 April 17, 1995 • approximately 600 additional "feeder pigs" (pigs under 501b.) per year (about 200 one time capacity). However, the overall number of pigs on site will decrease. Feedlots are considered a conditional use permit in the R1A zoning district. Cargill has not obtained a conditional use permit for their existing feedlot, because they were not aware it was required and have never been approached by the City as to this requirement previous to now. The conditional use permit would bring their existing facility into conformance with city code. The Cargill Animal Nutrition Center was established in Elk River in 1958. Cargill currently owns approximately 980 acres of land around the farm complex. The animal nutrition center is used by Cargill to provide research capabilities for animal nutrition. The Elk River facility is used for swine research, dairy research, beef research, and also feed ingredient preservation research. The Cargill Animal Nutrition Center currently employs approximately thirty-five people conduct research, care for animals, maintain facilities and harvest crops. Analysis As I mentioned earlier, Cargill is proposing to upgrade their swine research capabilities. The improvements will consist of removing seven buildings and replacing those buildings with six new buildings which will be compacted in a more defined area and connected by a covered walk-way system. The following paragraphs will highlight the key issues related to this request. Existin~/Proposed Buildings The existing buildings used to accommodate the swine research area are a mixture of building types constructed between 1958 and 1976.. Some of the buildings are open on one side, which does little to contain odors. The proposed buildings will be fully enclosed modern facilities, which will better contain odors as well as providing an optimal year round animal environment. The six proposed buildings will be located approximately 30 - 70 feet apart from one another and will be interconnected by an enclosed corridor. The entire swine complex will be fully fenced to provide additional safety. The new buildings are proposed to be low profile, one story, metal skin buildings. If this proposal is approved, a condition should be added that the buildings be painted to match the recently constructed laboratory. The buildings will consist of a farrowing area, office, nursery, finisher, breeding/gestation, and feed dock. • cu95-05-planning/pc