09-27-1999 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FOR SEPTEMBER 13,1999 PUBLIC COMMENTS- Continued Renckens said he doesn’t feel it should be as controversial for Mn/DOT as it apparently is to provide protection for their neighborhood. He asked if the Mayor and the Council would be willing to meet with them and Tom O’Keefe to discuss this issue. Jabbour said he would be willing to meet with them, but it would be easier if more homes will be affected. Moorse said that funding for the right-of-way acquisition needed for the berms is an obstacle for Mn/DOT. Jabbour said he was told at ihe last meeting with Mn/DOT that this will be a difficult acquisition because the right-of-way is very expensive and may take an additional year to obtain. Flint said that the latest communication from Mn/DOT states: “Mn/DOT will employ all reasonably available noise mitigation measures. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is in the process of rewriting rules including the noise standards. Mn/DOT will construct noise walls up to a height of 20 feet in an effort to obtain noise standards as defined by the MPCA if the construction is a cost effective means of obtaining noise standards. We cannot guarantee that noise levels will not be increased. Mn/DOT is committed to continue working with the cities and neighborhoods to design the project in such a way as to minimize noise and visual impacts to the greatest extent possible.” He said that, in a general way, Mn/DOT expresse.s full support for Mr. Winston ’s and Mr. Rencken ’s concerns. The Design Review Committee has to keep pressing Mn/DOT on the specifics of the design. Jabbour suggested that Mr. Winston and Mr. Renckens open a dialogue with Mr. Carlson regarding his property because it is immediately adjacent to the highway. John Mayer, Mayer Distributing, said he will be required to relocate his business due to the Highway 12 project. He is having a problem finding property for his bulk plant storage facility for gasoline and diesel fuels He asked if the Council would consider amending the industrial zoning code to permit a bulk petroleum storage plant. Mayer said that he has found a piece of property that would be suitable, but he does not want to purchase the property if appropriate zoning caimot be obtained Mayer said that there are new rules that apply to bulk plants which improve the safety. He said his company has a good track record for safety. Jabbour said the Council would need to determine if the use is appropriate and that should be addressed through an application. Moorse said this is a first step to let the Council know w hat Mr Mayer would like to do. Page 3