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Plazming Commission Minutes June 23, 2009 Page 2 Ms. Johnson explained that staffls intent is to ensure that the Planning Commission and City Council understand the significance of this request and to provide as much information as possible so an educated decision can be made. Commissioner Staul indicated that both analyse show the overall benefit to the City as positive whether or not the landfill expansion is approved. He stated that he supports the request because it provides the city with an opportunity to assist an existing business without affecting the long-term goals of the Comprehensive Plan. Commissioner Westberg questioned the landfill gas lifespan with expansion. Mr. Kellas stated that with emerging technologies, the landfill gas lasting unti12070 is a fair assumption. He noted that the plant would be running on only about four engines by about 2065. Commissioner Anderson questioned the landfill gas lifespan of the four engine plant with no expansion. Mr. Kellas stated approximately 30 years past the landfill closure (approximately 35 years from now). Commissioner Anderson questioned the ultimate height of the existing northern development as methane is extracted and what the long term view of southern development area would be. Mr. Kellas explained that the current waste mass equates fox about 100 feet. He stated that the southern development area is generally flat. Mr. Kellas added that Waste Management recently announced a joint venture nationally with INENT"EC, a company that recovers power from waste streams. Commissioner Anderson questioned the size of the existing site. Mr. Kellas indicated that the foot print of the property inside the waste mass is 65-70 acres. Commissioner Anderson stated he cannot support a change in the Comprehensive Plan because he sees having a 65-70 acre green space on the northern edge of the community as an asset. He added that he understands the economics and benefits of the landfill today but he cannot get over long term losses. He sees a landfill expansion as a significant future loss unless technology comes along that would assist with reclaiming land. Chair Scott acknowledged this is a big issue and sees positives whether or not the landfill expands. He stated that he is not comfortable recommending a land use change because not making a change offers the city and community more flexibility in future. Commissioner Lemke indicated he is struggling with agreeing to the Comprehensive Plan amendment tonight because he does not want it to be the approval for all future steps. He questioned what happens if the landfill closes. Ms. Johnson stated that an example of another landfill that closed in Sherburne County shows the tax value becomes insignificant and it basically becomes useless land. She added that the landfill she is referencing is 28 acres and has a tax value of approximately $10,000. Mr. Beck noted that the property would stay in Waste Management's ownership and they would be responsible for monitoring wells, etc. Mr. Kellas indicated that the gas plant would continue as well as closure, monitoring, and facility maintenance. He stated that Waste Management will continue to pay taxes on the property and they would hope that the property would be viewed and used as in one of the examples presented. Commissioner Lemke questioned end use regulations. Mr. Kellas stated that an end use plan is submitted to the MPCA for approval. Mr. Kellas added that that they understand there is a process that would need to be followed after approval. Mr. Shardlow explained that the