ITEM 3.13-1
OTSEGO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
OTSEGO CITY HALL
February 18, 2020
7:00 PM
Call to Order.
Vice Chair Offerman called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Roll Call: Vice Chair Allan Offerman; Commissioners: David Thompson, Vern Heidner,
Richard Nichols, and Charles Foster; Absent: Chair Pam Black; Commissioners: Jim
Kolles and Aaron Stritesky; City Council: CM Tom Darkenwald. City Staff: City Planner
Daniel Licht and Deputy Clerk Bethany Benting.
1. Announcements:
None.
2. Consider the following minutes:
2.1 Planning Commission February 3, 2020.
Commissioner Heidner motioned to approve the minutes as written.
Seconded by Commissioner Thompson. All in favor. Motion carried.
3. Public Hearing Items:
3.1 Riverwood Inn/NorthStar.
A. PUD District amendment to allow for use as a medical chemical
dependency treatment facility.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Applicant, Dr. Hal Baumchen, President, Clinical Director, and Co -Occurring Disorders
Specialist at NorthStar Regional, was present and agreed to the staff report.
Vice Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 7:24 PM.
Stewart Turnquist, 11020 95th St NE, states he is in favor of the request. His property
shares a property line with Riverwood Inn. Commissioner Thompson asked if he owns
all three properties. City Planner Licht confirmed the properties.
Kevin Sirmons, 9995 James Ave NE, is an emergency room doctor at the Monticello
Hospital and understands they have "co -diagnoses", and knows it is difficult to place
people, often times in another state. Dr. Sirmons is in favor of this facility to help
people.
Chris Wollan, 9816 Kalenda Ave NE, asked for an increase in the 350 -foot mailed notice
distance to inform residents and addressed worries about security and staffing. City
Planner Licht commented that the public hearing notice distance is set in accordance
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 2
with State statute. Dr. Jason Vanderscoff, CEO of NorthStar Regional, addressed her
concerns about the security and staffing.
Tony Underwood, 9744 Kalenda Ave, stated he did not receive mailed notice and is
concerned about the security knowing that there are only 2 security staff listed. Dr.
Vanderscoff addressed his security concerns and explained the staffing requirements
and qualifications.
Paul Moriarty, 10940 95th Street, asked about the 350 -foot mailed notice, how this place
will be funded, and if the City of Otsego or Wright county would have any incentives.
Mr. Moriarty also asked if there were studies done about crime with these treatment
centers. City Planner Licht said that the 350 -foot mailing distance is in accordance with
State statute. Dr. Vanderscoff said that the facility is a private medical business funded
like other medical facilities, that there are not incentives provided by Wright County or
the City.
Teri Kohler, 10348 99th ST NE, has concerns about clients relapsing that might cause
trouble. Mr. Vanderscoff said that people in these programs want to be able to be
back in society working. He also addressed the security concerns, how it will be staffed
and the concerns about repeats.
Cindy Sirmons, 9995 James Ave NE, asked how people are tracked both for in and
outpatient treatment. Ms. Sirmons also asked about the possibility for sober homes in
Otsego. Dr. Vanderscoff explained that this is not a "lock down" facility. Dr.
Vanderscoff further explained that clients are not allowed to go off-site during their first
30 days and for the next 90 days need approval by clinical staff in order to leave. Dr.
Vanderscoff also said they are not looking at sober homes as of right now.
Commissioner Heidner asked if they were a nonprofit corporation. Dr. Vanderscoff
replied no.
Mike Amundson, 9105 Kegan Ave NE, asked about visitors to the facility. Dr.
Vanderscoff stated they have an approval process in order for people to come and visit.
Commissioner Heidner asked if their grounds will have cameras. Dr. Vanderscoff
replied yes.
Scott Kohler, 10348 99th ST NE, asked about the titles of the technicians and what type
of security they will provide. Dr. Vanderscoff described the camera systems and staff
security and oversight procedures. Mr. Kohler asked if the City had received police
reports from other communities. Dr. Vanderscoff replied it would be up to those cities
to share the info.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 3
James Machelerd, 10383 Kahler Ave NE, wanted to know about the other 3 facilities
and where they are located within these communities? Dr. Vanderscoff stated in
Chaska they are adjacent to homes and townhomes. Dr. Vanderscoff stated that in
Shakopee the facility is by a strip mall, townhomes, and the City is planning on building
apartment complexes.
Justin Knipp, 9755 101s' ST NE, asked about 350 -foot mailing radius, qualifications for
security staff, and what Wright County Sheriff know or think about this facility? Dr.
Vanderscoff addressed the qualifications and job descriptions of staff. City planner
Licht asked Dr. Vanderscoff if the job description had minimum qualifications? Dr.
Vanderscoff replied with yes and offered to providing a job description.
Mark Daleiden, Wright County Commissioner, confirmed that no tax dollars are used for
the facility. Commissioner Daleiden also stated that Wright County has a drug court
that often times has to send people out of the State for help. Commissioner Daleiden
also addressed the State statute for mailed notice of 350 feet being a State statute.
Commissioner Daleiden stated his support for the proposed facility.
Mr. Moriarty said he is wanting to hear the negative situations/side effects that could
happen to the City with a facility coming into the area. Dr. Vanderscoff said that there
may be additional involvement with the police, but added that everyone is different with
addiction and how they react or if they relapse.
Mrs. Kohler directed a question to the Commission asking the potential effects of the
facility to the contract with Wright County for police service. City Planner Licht
addressed the contract stating that the level of police services is an issue reviewed
annually by the City Council and WCSO in response to on-going development.
Vice Chair Offerman brought the discussion to the Planning Commission members at
8:24 PM.
Commissioner Heidner asked about estimated property value suggesting that the City
Council look into an agreement that if the facility doesn't do their part in keeping their
end of security that NorthStar should be charged for service calls.
Commissioner Nichols asked about current occupancy. City Planner Licht responded
that City staff can request that information for the Commission. City Planner Licht also
addressed public comments in wanting more information about impact Wright County
services, receiving records from counties that NorthStar currently operates in about
police records, police call records for Riverwood Inn currently to make a direct
comparison, maps of the other facilities relative to existing to residential use, and the
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 4
job description for security personal. Vice Chair Offerman asked for all the information
to be provided to the City Council to make that decision.
Commissioner Foster asked for more information about the treatment programs. Dr.
Vanderscoff explained the spectrum of treatment and the steps and procedures on how
it works. Commission Foster also asked about the proposed numbers of inpatient and
outpatient clients. Dr. Vanderscoff states the number of inpatient clients is based on
the square footage of the building in accordance with Minnesota rules.
Commission Thompson asked about numbers of patients, in and out patients as well as
possible clients coming in for meetings. Dr. Vanderscoff said the proposed number of
clients is the maximum they can have without expanding the facility.
Vice Chair Offerman returned to the public for additional comments at 8:34 PM.
Mr. Knipp wants to know more about the spectrum of treatment Dr. Vanderscoff
described. Dr. Vanderscoff explained different treatment scenarios. Dr. Sirmons also
described treatment scenarios. Dr. Hal Baumchen added comments treatment
scenarios.
Mr. Underwood asked what is the capacity of other facilities and would the proposed
facility be fenced in? Dr. Vanderscoff said the property is not proposed to be fenced.
Dr. Vanderscoff said that the number of clients at the facility changes often from not at
capacity to having a waiting list.
Mr. Amundson asked about statistics about relapse at the facility. Dr. Vanderscoff
recalled one happening on site within the last 8 months. Dr. Vanderscoff described
procedures for drug testing.
Nicole Netzenger, 9051 Kaeding Ave NE, asked who owns the property and why they
aren't here speaking. Dr. Baumchen stated he will own the property under a separate
business structure from NorthStar Regional.
Mrs. Sirmons asked about a fence being installed. Dr. Baumchen a fence is not
proposed. Dr. Baumchen explaining people want to be there to get the help but if they
leave, they want to go to their own house or community.
Vice Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 8:46 PM.
City Planner Licht said that the Planning Commission may consider tabling consideration
of the application to address:
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 5
■ Emergency response calls for 12 months at the proposer's facility in Chaska.
■ Emergency response calls for 12 months at the proposer"s facility in Shakopee.
■ Aerial maps showing the Chaska and Shakopee facilities relative to proximity to
surrounding residential uses
■ The job description for security personnel employed at the facility (to consider
qualifications).
■ Emergency response calls for Riverwood Inn for 12 months and any comments
from WCSO as to concern about the proposed facility to provision of police
services in Otsego.
Commission Heidner stated that the additional information could be submitted prior to
City Council consideration of the request. Commissioner Nichols agreed to not tabling it
but forwarding a recommendation to the City Council. Commissioner Foster also agreed
on forwarding a recommendation to the City Council with the additional information as
an added condition. Vice Chair Offerman expresses his agreement as well.
Commissioner Nichols motioned to recommend approval a PUD District
amendment for Riverwood Inn, subject to the conditions listed in the 11
February 2020 Planning Report, as amended. All in favor. Motion carried.
Vice Chair Offerman continued the meeting for 5 -minute recess at 8:52 PM.
Vice Chair Offerman called the meeting back to order 8:58 PM.
3.2 East Waste Water Treatment Facility- Biosolids Building.
City Planner Licht presented the Planning Report.
Kurt Neidermeier, Utilities Manager, was present and agreed to the staff report.
Commissioner Heidner asked about how the solids would be moved. Mr. Neidermeier
commented it would be pumped over and the cost of the facility. Utility Manager
Neidermeier said the cost is approximately $14 Million dollars and described the process
of storing solids. Commissioner Heidner asked if the waste is able to be dropped at
landfill. Utilities Manger Neidermeier responded yes.
Vice Chair Offerman opened the Public Hearing at 9:10 PM.
Jason Pobul, 17396 56th Street NE, asked about the building design, hauling from the
other facility, storing of solids, and when the facility will be opening.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 6
Mark Vonderlbar, 17305 56th ST NE, wants to know there will be an increase or
decrease in noise at the facility. Mr. Vonderlbar is also concerned about the appearance
of the building and wants to know about adding more trees.
Utility Manager Neidermeier responded that the schedule is to start construction for
completion by May 2021, which means another full season of current operations. Utility
Manager Neidermeier explained trucking operations with the addition of the Biosolids
Building. City Planner Licht asked about the noise and how solids would be moved.
Utility Manager Neidermeier replied, noise would be decreased and that the solids would
all be handled inside of the building or pipes without outdoor storage. City Planner
Licht described the building design relative to the original structures that were intended
to look rural within a rural area.
Stacey Vonderlbar, 17305 56th ST NE, stated concerns about odor and health concerns.
Wants to know if it is seeping into the soil. Mr. Neidermeier described the purpose of
the outdoor tanks and that strong odors were coming from exterior storage that will not
occur after completion of the Biosolids Building.
Mr. Pobul wanted clarification that there will not be any more smell from the tanks.
Neidermeier confirmed it will be used for aerated to keep odor down. City Planner Licht
said this facility is being constructed in part to address the odor issue and that nothing
is being put into direct contact with ground.
Mr. Vonderlbar asked again noise concerns. City Planner Licht responded that the
proposed improvements will reduce noise at the facility.
Vice Chair Offerman brought the discussion to the Planning Commission members at
9:31 PM.
Commissioner Thompson commented asked about trucking the biosolids to farmers.
City Planner Licht explained that the waste from the biosolid facility can be spread on
the surface whereas the current process requires injection into the solid.
Commissioner Foster asked about the treatment process. Utility Manager Neidermeier
the treatment process that results in an inert product approximately 25 percent solid
similar to potting soil. Utility Manager Neidermeier stated that farmers are interested in
obtaining the product for fertilizer.
Vice Chair Offerman returned to the public for additional comment at 9:36 PM.
No additional comments were made.
Vice Chair Offerman closed the Public Hearing at 9:37 PM.
Minutes of the Otsego Planning Commission
February 18, 2020
Page 7
Commissioner Thompson motioned 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 conditions outlined in
the 12 February 2020 Planning Report. Seconded by Commissioner Foster.
All in favor. Motion carried.
4. Update on City Council actions.
CM Darkenwald updated the Planning Commission on recent City Council actions.
5. Update on future Planning Commission Agenda items.
City Planner Licht updated the commissioners on possible future agenda items.
6. Adjourn.
Vice Chair Offerman motioned to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner
Thompson. All in favor. Motion carried. Adjourned at 9:39 PM.
Allan Offerman, Vice Chair
ATTEST:
Bethany Benting, Deputy Clerk