09-17-1990 Planning Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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[ ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING SEPTEMBER 17, 1990 ZONING FILE #1590-MINNEGASCOr INC. CONTINUED Representatives, were present. *t-?^usth presented information relating to this application (s:’ , v.vnn<s Mabusth's memo dated September 12, 1990). She said, "1 r.;ive received the City Engineer's comments. He has approved the access. With regard to the concern of hazards created by the propane, the City Engineer states there is far less hazard with propane than with gasoline. There is very little opportunity for there to be an explosion. The City Engineer recommended that there be Minnegasco staff present while the vaporizing process is in operation. That is what Minnegasco has proposed." Mabusth provided pictures of a similar tanker and vaporizer located in Spring Park. Kelley asked whether the blue trailer is a permanent fixture. Mr. Meyer replied, "The blue trailer will be located in the fencing during the winter months. In the summer, all of the equipment will be removed, with the exception of a power pole and stand pipe that will be installed. The fence will remain on the property for the entire three to five years." Bellows noted that the fence will serve only as security, and not as a means of screening the equipment from view. Kelley asked whether the site will be illuminated. Mr. Meyer replied, "There will be a light on during the operation periods. Perhaps I should explain the process and purpose. We are trying to provide reliable service for our customers. Two years ago there was an incident in Mound where 1,000 customers lost gas service for a period of time. The temperature dropped to more than 20 degrees below zero. The problem is that the area has been growing faster than Minnegasco has been able to install additional pipes to provide service. The problems only occur on rhe extremely cold days of the year, in the early morning, when there is a maximum demand for gas. This will provide a temporary solution to that problem until there is enough of an increase in the area to justify a permanent solution. That solution is currently being designed, but we don't anticipate it to be installed for another three to five years. The unit that is mounted on the trailer will remain on the site during the winter. When there is a forecast in the winter for an extremely cold day, the tanker truck will arrive at the site around 4:00 a.m. The unit would be disconnected around 9:00 a.m. when the process is complete and the tanker will be removed." Kelley asked if there is any other location that would be - 15 -