6.1. & 6.2. SR 07-06-2009 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planxung Commission Minutes June 9, 2009 Page 3 from 2009 to 2090 and roughly 3,000 new jobs that could be ultimately absorbed upon full build out of the area (assumed to occur between 2050 and 2080). Ms. Haug introduced John Kellas, representing Waste Management. Mr. Kellas (?) discussed benefits to community provided by the landfill. He stated that the landfill was established in 1972, and was the first landfill (?in the state?) to install a liner. He stated that Waste Management took over in 1995. He discussed the methane recovery project which is a joint project with Elk River Municipal Utilities. Mr. Kellas noted that Waste Management submitted a full application, including the conditional use permit request for the expansion, but that staff recommended the land use amendment and rezoning be reviewed first. Mr. Kellas stated that Waste Management has spent $14 million paying vendors in the last five years. This figure does not take into account indirect benefits to the community such as patronizing local hotels, restaurants, and retail. He stated that their-payroll is $1 million/year and employees have a combine 175 years of services. He stated that the average length of employment is 12 years and average employee salary is $65,OQ0/year. He stated that property taxes, gravel mining fees, and landfills. total $1 million/year. Mr. Kellas explained that the methane power generating facility produces power for 7,50 he>mes and the number of engineers will be increased from four to tweh~e. He noted that Wasrc ~'~'Ianagement contributes $50,000 in local donations. Mr. Kellas suggested that instead of the annual city clean up event, Waste IVlanagement could mail out a free coupon t~~nce a year to each resident to drop off their items at the landfill. He stated that there is a large ~~~etland behind their facility and that they are working Wildlife Habitat to (?). I Ie stated that Waste Management supports the Energy City statement by providing the city with green power. He noted that the Environmental Learning Center has been very successful and have given many tours. Mr. Kellas stated that information is available on the EPA website, rucking 500 projects/companies that use landfill gas. He felt this was an opportunity to attract businesses and jobs to the area. Mr. Kellas provided a slide presentation of the project and progression of development. He concluded by stating that Waste Management feels that the project meets the city's goals. John Shardlow, of Boonestroo, representing Waste Management -provided his credentials ui the planning and zoning field. He discussed compatibility of the mining and landfill operations. Mr. Shardlow stated that his firm was contracted by the State of Minnesota to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement for the expansion project. He stated that a number of end use plans are available, and examples can be found around the country. But, he stated that the City was not interested in anything other than passive recreation. Mr. Shardlow noted that the city's zoning map dated March 30, 20091abeled the area south of the existing landfill as L,lk River Landfill. He stated thatdle expansion area is expected to'be completed in 2033 and reclauned as open space. Tiller has stated that if the expansion is not approved, they will not start mining this area for approximately 40 years. He stated that the city would lose approximately $663,000 (6 cents/ton) in landfill tax and $14.9 million in property taxes (2010 - 2015). He concluded that there would be a substantial loss of revenues to the city without the expansion, and he could not think of another use that would have the same benefit to the city. Mr. Shardlow stated that the only way to grow a business is to expand. He noted that the Ruprecht appraisal states that the expansion would not have a significant impact on property values. He discussed HKGi's report and questioned which studies were used and where