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Planning Commission Minutes August ] 4, 2007 Page 2 aerial photographs of the site. She noted that they held several meetings with, the residents and issues included noise, screening and traffic. Ms. Pauley stated that a noisy analysis was completed which indicated that both the daytime and nighttime standards cottl~l be met. She explained that the crusher is 600 feet from the nearest receptor (residence). 1~~. Pauley stated that all of Tiller's equipment has been retrofitted with backup lights, rat{l~er than alarms and this will be the first season they have used them. She stated that tl~ellmining operation will be set back 50 feet from the property line. She stated that they~cpnsidered a berm, but decided that maintaining the existing vegetation would provide betr~e~ screening than a berm. She stated that in response to the residences concerns regarding, p'he roots of the existing trees being impacted, the County Forester has marked the area w1j~iCh he feels is necessary to preserve the trees and they have incorporate this into their site ply .She noted that the nearest residence is 750 feet from the southern boundary and that their is a stand of mature trees which providing screening. Ms. Pauley stated there will be no ad' tional trucks added and that material will be transported through the currently maintained x+outes. She noted that Proctor has a 7-ton road ]unit. Ms. Pauley stated that Tiller has be~t~ operating in Elk River for 30 years and has worked with the residents to be a good neighbglJ~. She encouraged residents to contact the plant manager or Mike Caron directly, if they have an issue. Chair Stevens questioned the distance of the crusher from the residences to tl~'e east. Ms. Pauley stated that the crusher would be 600 feet from the residents to the east# end they would be the most impacted. Chair Stevens asked if the property was zoned fp~ mining. Ms. Haug stated that a zone change will be necessary. ' ', Chair Stevens opened the public hearing. Scott Boyd, 19923 Norfolk -Stated that he has issues with the excessive dusTi ilmpacting his heating and cooling system. He requested that Tiller give the residents the ext~al 100-foot buffer they requested to help with the noise. He stated that the crusher will be} (more active than it has in the past. Mr. Boyd stated that the additional buffer will help pre$~rve the trees, and that as soon as the roots of red oaks are cut, they die. I There being no further public comment, Chair Stevens closed the public hearith~. Commissioner Westgaard asked what the setback was from the closest residen~~s. Ms. Haug stated it was 50 feet. Commissioner Westgaard asked for clarification on the tikrping of the mining. Ms. Haug stated that they plan to start mining in 2-3 years, and may nice for up to 5 years. She noted that their lease is only good for 10 years from July 2007. Commissioner Scott asked where the crusher is located. Mike Caron, Tiller Corporation, stated that the crusher will be in its present location and will progress to the wgsk. Commissioner Scott asked if they will be requesting extended hours of operati~ri. Mr. Caron stated they would be satisfied with the regular hours. Commissioner Austad asked how often watering is done to control dust. Mr. iiron stated that they have a person watering the roads full-time. He noted that there was ~~ay when the pump was down for ahalf--day so they could not get water. Commissioner Au~t~d asked how the area would be restored. Mr. Caron stated that they have a reclamation~~iplan which will meet the city's required grade standards. He noted that they propose to starrt< mining in the east portion of the site and move west, and will try to reclaim each year as they mine. Commissioner Staul asked why the setback is no greater than 50 feet. Ms. Hain stated that