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Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| 11/19/2009 9:18:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | LS Power resolution of support and semi truck parking are on Chisago City council agenda
BY NANCY KRAMER
Correspondent
A representative from LS Power visited the Chisago City Council on November 10.
Blake Wheatley, LS Power Development LLC, presented an overview of the Sunrise River Energy Station. The plant would be situated near the Xcel substation on CSAH 14 (Lincoln Hwy), west of CSAH 15 (Kost Dam Road).
Before Wheatley could even begin his presentation to the council, he was interrupted by council member Larry Parker, who questioned why Mayor Taylor was seeking a resolution of support, when several weeks earlier, Taylor had turned away a group's request to petition each council member's stance on the issue. Council members Greg Freer and Marie Rivers also sought to change the agenda item from an action item, to discussion only.
Taylor scolded the members, saying that they "hadn't done their homework" and that it had been known for one week that this item would be an action item on the agenda. Taylor went on to say that he had been reading the letters in the newspapers and said "they are not true."
Wheatley was then allowed to make his presentation to the council, choosing to speak directly with the members, rather than use his power-point presentation. Among other changes being made to the development plans, the exhaust stacks will be 125 feet tall and the stack for the intermediary unit will be no more than 175 feet tall.
Wheatley emphasized the need that will arise from the construction project for local hardware stores, machine shops, motels; a lot of work for locals.
When questioned about the amount of noise generated by the operation of the plant, Wheatley responded, "During the summer, the turbines will run five days per week, 16 hours per day. They will start at 4-5 a.m., get up to a full load by 7 a.m., and shut down around 10-11 p.m. with no exhaust. The impact by noise from the turbines is loud standing right next to them. Acoustical design will enclose the device with sound absorbing materials."
Wheatley went on to say that sound will not escape. Air inlets will release some of the sound, but there will be many feet of baffles to absorb sound.
As for light pollution, Wheatley told the council that unlike the Rush City Prison, where lights are bright and are used to ensure that no one escapes the prison grounds, the lights will be downcast, and light pollution will not be an issue. "Hardly any light will get off the site," Wheatley assured the council.
Security will be maintained utilizing fencing, cameras both inside and outside the facility, a security detail operating 24/7, and key codes/cards for entering/exiting the facility's sliding gates.
At the conclusion of Wheatley's presentation, council member Rivers wished to amend her motion, and make the resolution an action item.
Parker and Freer voted nay. Sue Skow and Rivers voted for the resolution in support of LS Power pursuing the permitting process, Taylor also voted aye, and Parker and Freer voted nay.
Tractor Trailer Parking
City staff has received several complaints of semi tractors/trailers parking in the Water Tower Park as well as on Liberty Lane in the Industrial Park.
At one time, parking on Liberty Lane had been allowed because it was a dead-end street. But recently, the street has been extended to Karmel Avenue and five new businesses have been built on Liberty Lane.
City staff is requesting any ideas of a good location for these trucks to park and/or allow drivers to rest.
In other council business:
Council voted unanimously to approve the annual pull-tabs sales authorization for the Chisago City Fire Department Relief Association.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Chisago City Council will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, located on Railroad Avenue. All residents and interested parties are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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