ITEM 4.1 East WWTF biosolidsotS T
Y F O
MINNESOTA V
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Request for
City Council Action
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT
REQUESTOR:
MEETING DATE:
Planning
City Planner Licht
24 February 2020
PRESENTER(s)
REVIEWED BY:
ITEM #:
City Planner Licht
City Administrator/Finance Director Flaherty
Utility Manager Neidermeier
4.1— E-WWTF Biosolids
STRATEGIC VISION
MEETS:
THE CITY OF OTSEGO:
Is a strong organization that is committed to leading the community through innovative
communication.
X
Has proactively expanded infrastructure to responsibly provide core services.
Is committed to delivery of quality emergency service responsive to community needs and
expectations in a cost-effective manner.
Is a social community with diverse housing, service options, and employment opportunities.
Is a distinctive, connected community known for its beauty and natural surroundings.
AGENDA ITEM DETAILS
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommends approval of a conditional use permit amendment for the E-WWTF Biosolids Building
project and a preliminary/final plat for the East Wastewater Treatment Facility.
ARE YOU SEEKING APPROVAL OF A CONTRACT?
IS A PUBLIC HEARING REQUIRED?
No
Held by Planning Commission 18 February 2020
BACKG ROU N D/J USTI FICATION:
The City of Otsego has initiated improvements at the East Waste Water Treatment Facility (E-WWTF) to
provide for further processing of liquid waste from both the E-WWTF and West Waste Water Treatment
Facility (W-WWTF) into a more solid material for disposal off -site. The proposed improvements require
consideration of a conditional use permit amendment to allow for the facility expansion. A preliminary and
final plat has also been prepared to combine the two existing parcels that comprise the E-WWTF into a
single lot.
A public hearing to consider the CUP amendment and preliminary/final plat was held by the Planning
Commission at their meeting on 18 February 2020 at 7:OOPM. Utility Operations Manager Neidermeier
attended the meeting to present information regarding the operation of the facility and answer questions.
The public hearing was attended by approximately one-half dozen residents that live near the E-WWTF.
The residents spoke to concerns and asked questions regarding the architectural design of the building,
potential noise and odor generation, continued outdoor storage of biosolids, and project timeline. These
questions were addressed by Utility Manager Neidermeier. The Planning Commission had no questions or
comments regarding the proposed project at the E-WWTF. The public hearing was closed and the Planning
Commission voted 5-0 to recommend approval.
i ' d
CITY
0tSe F O
MINNESOTA V
APPLICANT: City of Otsego
19 February 2020
FINDINGS & DECISION
Conditional Use Permit Amendment
Preliminary/Final Plat
APPLICATION: Request for a conditional use permit amendment for the E-WWTF Biosolids Building project
and a preliminary/final plat for the East Wastewater Treatment Facility.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 14 February 2020
FINDINGS: Based upon review of the application and evidence received, the Otsego City Council now makes
the following findings of fact:
A. The legal description of the properties is attached as Exhibit A.
B. The property lies within the East Sewer District and is guided for institutional uses by the 2012
Otsego Comprehensive Plan, as amended.
C. The property is zoned INS, Institutional District; the East Wastewater Treatment facility is an existing
approved conditional use.
D. The City is proposing the E-WWTF Biosolids Building project, which requires amendment of the
existing conditional use permit in accordance with Section 11-4-4 of the Zoning Ordinance.
E. The City is proposing a preliminary/final plat to combine the two parcels that comprise the E-WWTF
into one lot.
F. The Planning Commission and City Council must take into consideration the possible effects of the
request with their judgment based upon (but not limited to) the criteria outlined in Section 11-4-2.F
of the Zoning Ordinance:
1. The proposed action's consistency with the specific policies and provisions of the Otsego
Comprehensive Plan.
Finding: The Comprehensive Plan establishes that expansion of wastewater utilities is to be
phased to accommodate service demands for development to ensure the financial stability of
utility operations. The City has adopted the Wastewater Master Plan to coordinate and
phase expansion of WWTFs to provided needed capacity and improve operational efficiency.
The E-WWTF Biosolids Building improvement project is included within the Wastewater
Master Plan and is proposed for implementation based on established trigger events.
2. The proposed use's compatibility with present and future land uses of the area.
Finding: The subject site is surrounded by the existing and planned low density residential
land uses. The required setback from property lines for the E-WWTF buildings and proposed
landscaping will create separation and a buffer from surrounding residential dwellings. The
construction of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building will also eliminate long-term liquid
storage at the E-WWTF reducing odor generating operations.
3. The proposed use's conformity with all performance standards contained within the Zoning
Ordinance and other provisions of the City Code.
Finding: The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building improvement project complies with the
appliable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Engineering
Manual.
4. Traffic generation of the proposed use in relation to capabilities of streets serving the
property.
Finding: The subject site is accessed from Randolph Avenue, which is designated by the
Transportation Plan as a major collector street. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building will
not result in a substantial change in the traffic generated by the E-WWTF.
5. The proposed use can be accommodated by existing public services and facilities and will not
overburden the City's service capacity.
Finding: The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building project is necessary to provide utility
capacity for forecast development and increase efficiency in operations for the City's
wastewater treatment systems.
G. The planning report dated 12 February 2020 prepared by the City Planner, The Planning Company
LLC, is incorporated herein.
H. The Otsego Planning Commission conducted a public hearing at their regular meeting on 18 February
2020 to consider the application, preceded by published and mailed notice; based upon review of the
application and evidence received, the public hearing was closed and the Planning Commission
recommended by a 5-0 vote that the City Council approve the request based on the aforementioned
findings.
DECISION: Based on the foregoing information and applicable ordinances, the request is hereby
APPROVED, subject to the following conditions:
1. All signs shall be subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.
2. All exterior lighting shall be subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.
3. All drainage and utility easements shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer.
4. All stormwater management issues shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer
5. All utility issues shall be subject to review by the Utilities Department and Building Official.
6. All utility issues shall be subject to review by the Utilities Department and Building Official.
2
MOTION BY:
SECOND BY:
ALL IN FAVOR:
THOSE OPPOSED:
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Otsego this 241" day of February, 2020.
CITY OF OTSEGO
By:
Jessica L. Stockamp, Mayor
Attest:
By:
Tami Loff, City Clerk
TPC
The Planning Company
PLANNING REPORT
3601 Thurston Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763.231.5840
TPC@PlanningCo.com
TO: Otsego Planning Commission
FROM: D. Daniel Licht, AICP
REPORT DATE: 12 February 2020
RE: Otsego — Utilities; E-WWTF Biosolids Building
TPC FILE: 101.01
BACKGROUND
The City of Otsego has initiated improvements at the East Waste Water Treatment Facility (E-
WWTF) to provide for further processing of liquid waste from both the E-WWTF and West
Waste Water Treatment Facility (W-WWTF) into a more solid material for disposal off -site. The
proposed improvements require consideration of a conditional use permit amendment to allow
for the facility expansion. A preliminary and final plat has also been prepared to combine the
two existing parcels that comprise the E-WWTF into a single lot. A public hearing to consider
the CUP amendment and preliminary/final plat has been noticed for the Planning Commission
meeting on 18 February 2020 at 7:OOPM.
Exhibits:
■ Site Location Map
■ Site Plan
■ Landscape Plan
■ Storm Sewer Plan
■ Process Flow Diagram
■ Preliminary/Final Plat
ANALYSIS
Zoning. The subject site is zoned INS, Institutional District, which allows wastewater treatment
facilities as a conditional use as provided for by Section 11-90-6.N of the Zoning Ordinance. An
amendment of the existing CUP is required for the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building
project.
1
Biosolids Building. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building project has been planned as part
of the Wastewater Master Plan adopted by the City Council on 22 January 2018. The
Wastewater Master Plan establishes longterm plans and implementation phasing for
expansion of the City's wastewater utilities in conjunction with development to meet future
service needs. The E-WWTF Biosolids Building project consist of construction of an
approximate 18,000 square foot building where additional processing of liquid waste from both
the E-WWTF and W-WWTF is to occur that results in a more solid material (biosolids) as a final
byproduct of the wastewater treatment process. The biosolid material is disposed of off -site
either through land application or at a landfill. The additional processing of the liquid waste will
result in odor mitigation from the current practice of outdoor storage of liquid material. A
granular activated carbon odor control system is included in the proposed project. The
proposed East Solids Phase 1 Building also includes administrative space and vehicle storage for
the Utility Department.
Lot Requirements. Section 11-90-7.A.8 of the Zoning Ordinance specifies that lots developed
with WWTFs must have a minimum area of 15 acres. The 2 parcels that comprise the E-WWTF
have a combined area of 17.82 acres. The proposed preliminary/final plat combining the 2
existing parcels exceeds the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Setbacks. Section 11-90-6.N.2 of the Zoning Ordinance requires a minimum 75 foot setback
from property lines for WWTF structures. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building is located
on the north portion of the E-WWTF site away from existing residential dwellings to the south
and west. The proposed building is 120 feet from the closest lot line (north) and complies with
the setback requirement stated by the Zoning Ordinance.
Building Exterior. The exterior of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building consists of precast
concrete, metal, and translucent panels and class windows with a flat roof. Section 11-17-4.D.2
of the Zoning Ordinance requires principal buildings within the INS District have an exterior
comprised of 65 percent materials defined as Grade A or precast concrete panels with a
textures or formed surface. The proposed precast concrete panels comprise 74.9 percent of
the total building exterior and 83.4 percent of the east elevation facing Randolph Avenue
(although two storage silos are located east of the building obscuring it from view). The
proposed exterior finish for the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building complies with the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.
Building Height. Section 11-90-8 of the Zoning Ordinance limits the height of principal
buildings and accessory structures to 40 feet. The tallest roof of the proposed East Solids Phase
1 Building is 34 feet above grade. Not shown on the submitted plans are solar panels that may
be included as part of the project mounted on the high roof of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids
Building. The project alternate installation of the solar panels on the roof will also comply with
the 40 foot height limit.
N
There are two storage silos on the east side of the principal building that are 56 feet in height.
The first silo is included in the currently proposed project, and the second silo would be
installed with a future capacity expansion. Section 11-17-3.13.10 exempts structures related to
essential services from the height limits of the Zoning District in which they are located. The
silos store lime used in the processing of the liquid waste to produce the biosolids for disposal
essential to the operation of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building process and overall
operation of the E-WWTF. Although exempt from the height limits of the INS District, the
location of the silos more than 120 feet from the closest property line (in excess of the
minimum 75 foot setback) mitigates the potential effects of the height of the structures.
Landscaping. A landscape plan has been prepared for the area to be disturbed to the west,
north, and east of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building. The majority of the area will be
planted with native grasses and forbs consistent with green initiatives at City facilities and to
minimize maintenance needs. A mix of shade, ornamental, and evergreen trees are provided
along the north property line to provide screening for future low density residential
development guided for the adjacent property by the Comprehensive Plan. The types of
proposed plantings are appropriate for the subject site and the sizes of the plantings comply
with the requirements of Section 11-19-2.13.3 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Access. The E-WWTF is accessed from Randolph Avenue, which is designated as a major
collector street by the Transportation Plan. No changes to the access to the E-WWTF are
proposed as part of the E-WWTF Biosolids Building project other than installation of an
automated gate in place of the existing manual gate. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building
is to be constructed to the north of the existing access drive within the E-WWTF.
Off -Street Parking. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building includes 3 interior bays large
enough to accommodate a semi -tractor trailer and 2 smaller drive through bays for Utility
Department vehicles. Six off-street parking stalls are located to the east of the proposed
principal building at its southeast corner near the entrance to the administrative area. The
proposed stalls are designed to comply with the dimensions required by Section 11-21-7.13 of
the Zoning Ordinance and include 2 disability van accessible stalls. The proposed interior and
exterior off-street parking stalls are adequate for the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building.
Signs. Section 11-37-5.D of the Zoning Ordinance establishes sign allowances for uses within
the INS District. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building is planned to include a City logo on
the east elevation of the building, which will be visible from Randolph Avenue. Section 11-37-
5.D.3 states that there is no limit on the area for a wall sign within the INS District. All signs are
to be subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.
Exterior Lighting. Any exterior lighting to be install at the E-WWTF as part of E-WWTF Biosolids
Building project must comply with Section 11-16-6 of the Zoning Ordinance. Lighting must be
downcast with a horizontal shield. Lighting cast to property lines cannot exceed 0.4 foot
candles. All exterior lighting is to be subject to review and approval of the Zoning
Administrator.
3
Easements. Section 10-8-12.A of the Subdivision Ordinance requires that drainage and utility
easements be dedicated at the perimeter of platted lots. The required drainage and utility
easements must be 10 feet in width. The proposed preliminary and final plat illustrates the
required drainage and utility easements as required by the Subdivision Ordinance. All drainage
and utility easements are subject to review and approval of the City Engineer.
Grading. A grading, drainage, and erosion control plan has been developed for the E-WWTF
Biosolids Building improvements. All stormwater management issues are to be subject to
review and approval of the City Engineer.
Utilities. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building will be connected to City sewer and water
utilities. All utility issues are subject to review by the Utilities Department and Building Official.
Criteria. The proposed conditional use permit amendment is to be evaluated based upon (but
not limited to) the criteria outlined in Section 11-4-2.F of the Zoning Ordinance:
The proposed action's consistency with the specific policies and provisions of the Otsego
Comprehensive Plan.
Comment: The Comprehensive Plan establishes that expansion of wastewater utilities is
to be phased to accommodate service demands for development to ensure the financial
stability of utility operations. The City has adopted the Wastewater Master Plan to
coordinate and phase expansion of WWTFs to provided needed capacity and improve
operational efficiency. The E-WWTF Biosolids Building improvement project is included
within the Wastewater Master Plan and is proposed for implementation based on
established trigger events.
2. The proposed use's compatibility with present and future land uses of the area.
Comment: The subject site is surrounded by the existing and planned low density
residential land uses. The required setback from property lines for the E-WWTF buildings
and proposed landscaping will create separation and a buffer from surrounding
residential dwellings. The construction of the proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building will
also eliminate long-term liquid storage at the E-WWTF reducing odor generating
operations.
3. The proposed use's conformity with all performance standards contained within the
Zoning Ordinance and other provisions of the City Code.
Comment: The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building improvement project complies with
the appliable requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and
Engineering Manual.
11
4. Traffic generation of the proposed use in relation to capabilities of streets serving the
property.
Comment: The subject site is accessed from Randolph Avenue, which is designated by
the Transportation Plan as a major collector street. The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids
Building will not result in a substantial change in the traffic generated by the E-WWTF.
5. The proposed use can be accommodated by existing public services and facilities and will
not overburden the City's service capacity.
Comment: The proposed E-WWTF Biosolids Building project is necessary to provide
utility capacity for forecast development and increase efficiency in operations for the
City"s wastewater treatment systems.
RECOMMENDATION
City staff recommends approval of the applications subject to the conditions outlined below.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
A. Motion to recommend approval of a conditional use permit amendment for the E-
WWTF Biosolids Building project and a preliminary/final plat for the E-WWTF, subject to
the following conditions:
1. All signs are to be subject to review and approval of the Zoning Administrator.
2. All exterior lighting is to be subject to review and approval of the Zoning
Administrator.
3. All drainage and utility easements are subject to review and approval of the City
Engineer.
4. All stormwater management issues are to be subject to review and approval of
the City Engineer.
5. All utility issues are subject to review by the Utilities Department and Building
Official.
6. All utility issues are subject to review by the Utilities Department and Building
Official.
5
B. Motion to recommend the application be denied based on a finding that the request is
inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan and intent of the Zoning Ordinance.
C. Motion to table.
Adam Flaherty, City Administrator/Finance Director
Tami Loff, City Clerk
Ron Wagner, City Engineer
David Kendall, City Attorney
Kurt Neidermeier, Utility Manager
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