07-06-2009 CCM - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Minutes Jay G, 2009 Page 9 G.2. Re uest b Ells River Landfill Inc. for Rezonin to Chan e the Zonin from AI A ricultural Conservation to SwF Solid waste Facili .Public Hea~z~z --Case No. ZC 0901 Mayor I~linzing stated a motion needed to be made for the rezoning request from waste Management, Councilfnember Gumphrey stated he was disappointed the Council couldn't make a decision that evening, M®VED BY CGUNCILMENIBER WESTGAARD AND SECGNDED BY CGUNCILIi~E~BER M~TIN TG CGNTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TQ AUGUST 17, 2049, MDTIGN CARRIED 4~1, Councilmember Gumphrey opposed. 7.I, Follow-u to oint Utilities Commission Meetin Mayor I~linzing presented this item, stating a meeting had been setup for July I3 to decide whether or not Ells River Municipal Uttl~ties ~ERMU~ should be an owner in the Big Stone II protect, She requested the Council ask questions of staff so tlaey could provide the information needed to make an informed decision. Councilm,ember Gumphrey stated the Utilities Commission is holding a special meeting on July S, 2DO9, to decide the matter, Mr, Beck confirmed the special meeting scheduled for July $ and stated the purpose for this discussion was to gather Council's questions, issues, and feedback to present to tlae Utilities Commtss~on for tlae special meeting on July $, Bob Schulte was available for questions from the Council this evenm.g. Councilmember westgaard stated since the Utilities Commission has worked through this longer than the Council that he would follow the Commission's recommendation, He asl~ed what other options were available to the City in the future should they decide not to participate in the Big Stone II project. He asked what concerns Councilmember Gumphrey had about partic~pat~ng ~n this project, Counc~.nember Moon agreed with Councilmember westgaard, asl~ing similar questions about the available scenarios and Fnancial impacts to the City should they decide for or against the prolect..l-~e asked about residential rates and the bond payment, Mayor ~~linzing agreed, stating she was also interested in hearing about green energy items, She stated she feels the Commission has also considered alternatives, considering the future regulations and the costs associated with the retrofitting of current coal plants, Councilmember Zerwas stated concerns with the financial risk of such a major project. Councilmember Moon is also concerned with the risks of the project and any problems being passed along to the taxpayers should the project fail. All Councilmembers concurred they would appreciate the decision of the Utilities Commission as they had more time to review and discuss this item and how it would impact the future of Elk River Municipal Utilities.