06-09-2009 PC MIN - Laserfiche WebLink

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p~anni ~ C~innvssion Minutes Page 6 June 9, 2009 --------------------------- development will continue for 40 - 60 years. He stated that the end use planning was a cooperative effort of the owners, citizens and city officials. Mr. Sauer stated that HKGi's studies are based on the gravel reining being completed in 2030. He stated that if the expansion is approved, they will expedite mining of the expansion area. If the expansion does not move forward, Tiller will not start mining in the expansion area for 40 years. It would take approximately 20 years to mine out the reserves, so it will be approximately 60 years or more before the properrywould be readyfor development. He stated he felt the city's consultant's projections were fabricated to shock the Commission to a vote. Mr. Sauer stated that there a number of vendors that have high wage jobs depending upon the project. He felt the consultant's $400 million figure for lost revenues is unrealistic, as well as the statement that 2,000 jobs would be lost from this 100- acre site. He stated there is no 100-acre site in Elk River that provides 2,000 jobs. He stated that the process in Maple Grove was very open, but that has not been the case here. He stated that it would have been nice to be asked what their plans were. He stated that the focus of the study area was originallyto have been the entire mining area, but somehow staff chose to focus on this 100-acre site. He stated he felt that staff is attempting to push the issue in a particular direction. Bruce Weaver, 13625 320th Avenue (Livonia Township) - he supports the project as a supervisor of a small business that depends on Waste Management. He stated that there would be a significant impact to many small businesses if the expansion is not approved. Shane Steinbrecher - He has operated a small roll-off business for 15 years and stated that having landfill nearby keeps his costs down. He stated that landfill staff helps sort out various materials he brings in so that they are disposed of properly. He noted he also utilizes Tiller's business to recycle concrete. He felt that Elk River Landfill has a state of the art operation and does everything they canto see that the environment is protected Jeff Vassar, Site Manager for Waste Management - stated he has been with Elk River Landfill for manyyears. He stated that many jobs will be impacted if they are not able to expand. Ricky Solomen, Executive Director for the Boys and Girls Club - stated that 14 percent of their budget comes from Waste Management, their number one fonder, and that they recerve a check from them every month. Terry Morrell, 10752 173t~ Avenue NW -stated that his familycompanyis transitioning to their third generation. He stated that Waste Management is a good companyto work for. He noted that Waste Management partnered with a local church to help resolve large soil contamination issues, so that the project could move forward. He stated that Waste Management provides local jobs and is involved in the community. Richard Toth, property owner -stated that his family owns the land to the southeast and is in favor of the expansion. Deb Walters, representative for Elk River Landfill, Inc./Waste Management -stated that she has been the District Manager for Waste Management for the 12 years. She asked that the Commission recommend approval of the expansion. Charles Schuldt, 12600 Ridgewood Drive -stated that he disagreed with the expansion in the past, but has changed his opinion somewhat. His concern was with the impact of the