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Punning C~ininission Minutes June 9, 2009 --------------------------- Page 4 disposed of at the site. He stated that there is a large wetland behind their facility and that they are working with Wildlife Habitat Council to preserve the area. He noted that the Environmental Learning Center has been very successful and have given manytours. He noted that the environmental learning center is the only one in North America. He stated that Waste Management supports the Energy City statement by providing the citywith green power. Mr. Kellas stated that information is available on the EPA website, tracking 500 projects/companies that use landfill gas. He felt this was an opportunityto attract businesses and jobs to the area. Mr. Kellas provided a slide presentation of the project and the proposed progression of development. He concluded by stating that Waste Management feels that the project meets the city's goals. John Shardlow, of Bonestroo, representing Waste Management -provided his credentials in the planning and zoning field. He stated that he has assisted over 100 cites and counties in developing their comprehensive plans; he has provided planning and zoning training to elected and appointed officials for 29 years, and has been a land use/planning consultant with the City of Burnsville throughout that time. He noted that the City of Burnsville has three landfills. Mr. Shardlow discussed elements that must be considered in an amendment to a comprehensive plan. He discussed compatibilityof the mining and landfill operations. He stated that the current plan guides the expansion for minting and that does not change and the only change is in the end use. He stated that he has discussed aesthetics with staff and that this issue will be looked at in the conditional use permit discussions. Mr. Shardlow stated that his firm was contracted bythe State of Minnesota to prepare the Environmental Impact Statement for the landfill expansion project. He stated that a number of end use plans are available, and examples can be found around the country. He stated that the City has not shown any interest in anything other than passive recreation for the site. Mr. Shardlow noted that the cites zoning map dated March 30, 20091abeled the area south of the existing landfill as Elk River Landfill. He stated that the expansion area is expected to be completed in 2033 and reclaimed as open space. Tiller has stated that if the expansion is not approved, theywill 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 properrytaxes (2010 - 2015). He stated that if the expansion does not happen, only $242,000 in propentytaxes would be generated between 2010 and 2030. Mr. Shardlow provided a comparison of revenues generated byMedtronics, Best Buy and the Elk River Landfill over a 30-year period He concluded that there would be a substantial loss of revenues to the citywithout 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 they could be found. Mr. Shardlow stated that they feel Mr. Scheib's report makes a lot of assumptions and they question the accuracy of those assumptions. Mr. Shardlow stated that the staff report he received on Friday prior to this evening's meeting contained new information and there was not sufficient time to get their questions