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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity/County Planning Board Minutes 12.02.2010 MINUTES LAUREL — YELLOWSTONE CITY - COUNTY PLANNING BOARD December 2, 2010 7:00 PM Laurel City Council Chambers Members present: Kathy Siegrist, Chairman Dan Koch, City Rep. Dick Fritzler, County Rep. Judy Goldsby, County Rep. Greg Nelson, City Rep. John VanAken, County Rep. David Schreder, City Rep. Don Brown, City Rep. Others present: James Caniglia, City Planner Cheryll Lund, City Secretary Adam Wall Kyle Smith Minutes: Minutes of the June 3, 2010 meeting were approved as written by a motion from Dan Koch, seconded by Judy Goldsby. Motion carried by a 7 -0 vote. Public Input: There was no public input. Home Occupation Appeal: Adam and Megan Wall from 504 Santa Fe Drive applied for a Home Occupation at their address for running a battery reconditioning business out of their garage. Application was denied approval from the Public Works Director, Fire Department Inspector and Planning Department due to potential danger of chemicals used in the process. The applicant requested an appeal through the Planning Board, as per City Code. Adam Wall spoke regarding his Home Occupation application. He stated that he and his wife have learned a great deal about batteries in the 6 months they began looking into the battery industry. Adam handed out information on the company called Battery Doctors. Battery Doctors created an environmentally friendly non -toxic chemical that can be used to recondition and recharge batteries. The chemical when added to viable dead batteries, and then recharged, makes the batteries as good as new. 1 Adam stated there is no removal of the sulfuric acid from the battery and no taking apart of the battery. There is only the adding of chemical to the battery. He will be going to a 5 -day training to learn more about the reconditioning/recharging process. Adam realizes that the main concern when recharging batteries is the possibility of a battery exploding and after researching information on reconditioning and recharging batteries he learned that batteries can explode when using a high - voltage charging process and overcharging a battery can lead to gassing which can cause an explosion. The process of recharging that Adam will be using is called Pro Charge. It was developed by the Battery Doctors Company. The process uses a slow charge and the charging system shuts off when the battery reaches the appropriate voltage. So, there is no overcharging of the batteries. Over charging of the battery is what causes gassing. Adam stated that if gassing does occur, it will be minimal. The process will be done in their attached garage where the air gets into readily and regularly for ventilation. Adam asked the board to consider approving his business for a city license to do business in the City of Laurel as a mobile business if the board does not approve the home occupation request. That way he could do the reconditioning and charging of batteries on customers' business site. Adam asked the Board if they had any questions. Dick Fritzler asked why he wanted to run this type of business out of their home. In Dick's opinion this type of business should be located in an industrial part of Laurel. Adam stated that his initial plan is to start doing this business part time with him continuing with his full time job. Later, when he can afford to, he hopes to work the business into a full time venture. Adam stated that his primary objective is to recharge industrial and construction batteries in the field (at the customers' places of business) for his customers. He cannot bring the larger batteries to his garage due to the size of the batteries. Adam stated that his initial plan is not to have more than 20 batteries in his garage at one time. He is only capable of recharging 12 batteries at a time. David Schreder stated that this type of a business would be hard for the board to police. Judy Goldsby spoke. She did some research on this type of business and called some Billings businesses that recharge batteries. She asked Adam if he has to add chemical's to the battery wouldn't he have to remove some chemical from the battery prior to that. Adam stated that depends on the level of the chemical in the battery. A lot of the older batteries have depleted levels of chemicals. Each battery is different and there may be times he has to remove sulfuric acid. If he has to remove sulfuric acid he would use a 5 2 gallon bucket and find a way of disposing of it. He would not pour it down any drain and knows that there are ways of safely disposing of the sulfuric acid. Dick Fritzler stated that there are batteries that have corrosion of sulfuric acid on the outside and wonders how the batteries will be cleaned up prior to the recharging process. Adam stated that the Battery Doctors have told him there is a simple process for cleaning up the batteries but he doesn't know what that process is at this time. Dan Koch asked how the 20 batteries will get to his garage. Will there be a large amount of trucks coming and going in a residential neighborhood to deliver them? Adam stated that the only batteries he would be capable of bringing to his home are the smaller car batteries. He would use his car to bring them to his home. Greg Nelson asked Adam if he has looked into Hazardous Material permits for transporting batteries. Adam stated that at this time he has not checked into it. Greg Nelson asked how close Adam's neighbors are from where his garage is? Adam stated that he has 2 empty lots on each side of them so the closest neighbor (House -wise) are about 100 feet away. Greg Nelson asked if there is any other place on his property, besides the attached garage, where he can store the batteries at. Adam stated No, but he does have some other ideas of places he can do this if this application is denied. John VanAken asked Adam if his garage is attached or detached. Adam stated that the garage is attached. John VanAken stated that batteries, even undercharged, are always giving off gases. So, ventilation is imperative to have inside the building so gasses are not building up within the building. John went on to state that if you are trained on how to recharge batteries it can be done safely. John's major concern with this business is that it needs a good ventilation system if it is going to be in a residence to make it a safe operation. John went on to say that from the way it sounds Adam doesn't know a lot about how to operate this type of business yet. Adam said that from what John VanAken just said, it appears to him (that the board is saying) he could have this operation in his garage if he had the proper training and ventilation. 3 John told Adam that is not exactly what he said. John does not feel that it is a safe kind of a business to run out of a residential house in a residential neighborhood. David Schreder stated that Adam needed to look into the business more to find if people operate this type of business in a residential area. And if they do, do they do so out of an unattached building. Judy Goldsby stated that she spoke to a gentleman in Billings that is using this type of process to recharge and recondition batteries. His business is located in the industrial area of Billings. Judy has concerns about doing this process in a residential area because of the inability to tell if a battery being processed has any cells that are damaged that could, upon charging of the battery, result in an explosion. Judy asked the gentleman with the business in Billings if he would live next to a resident that he knew was doing this type of a business. The gentleman responded that he absolutely would not! John VanAken stated that there is a way to test each cell of the battery to determine if there is damage. John went on to say that there will be times when some acid will have to be removed from the battery and it could create a hazardous material situation. Kyle Smith of 314 Wyoming asked to speak to the board. Kyle stated that the concerns brought up by the board seem valid but when you can go to Ace Hardware and can buy a 120 volt battery charger and keep it in your garage he wonders how Adams operation would be any different than that. He hasn't heard of any batteries exploding in anyone's garages. Judy Goldsby told Kyle that the size of the operation and the quantity of the batteries is concerning to the board. Kyle stated that he can understand that. John VanAken stated that most people have battery chargers in their garages but most of the batteries people own are in their vehicles and their chargers aren't continually in use. Judy Goldsby asked Adam how many batteries would be charged at any given time and how many chargers he planned to use. Adam stated that he has only one frame that holds up to 12 chargers and batteries at one time. He believes there is only one switch for the 12 chargers. John VanAken stated that each battery charger will have to have a disconnect switch to comply with current electric regulations. James Caniglia pointed out that in one of the photographs on the Technology information sheet from Battery Doctors website shows a fire extinguisher next to the work bench that the battery chargers are sitting on and also "explosive proof' outlets on the wall. James feels it shows a warning in their own photograph regarding safety issues. 4 Adam stated that from the input of the board he doubts that the home occupation is going to be approved. He is wondering if it is possible to get a city license for a running a mobile unit and maintaining an office (only) from his home. James stated that Adam would have to store his equipment somewhere. Adam stated that he could store his equipment somewhere else. James stated that he is concerned that there is no policing these types of businesses within the City of Laurel. If one person is allowed to do so then everyone would have to be allowed also. Dick Fritzler stated that this board has worked hard for many years on the classifications and implementation of the different zoning types and the different types of businesses allowed in those zoning types. He feels that by allowing this type of home occupation it goes against the principles the Planning Board has established and the board would be deviating outside of regulations the board has put into place. Judy Goldsby visited the website for Battery Doctors and thinks the technology is good and would like to be able to use some of it in her own (automotive) business. Adam asked if he could still get an OK for use of his home as office space only, if no batteries will be charged at his home. After a discussion it was decided that Adam's type of business needs to be located in a retail space in non - residential zone and it wouldn't make sense to allow him to have a home occupation in his home if he plans to rent retail space for the business. At this time Adam withdrew his application for consideration of his home occupation and thanked the board for their time. Public Hearing — Proposed Addition of Bench Signage into L.M.0 17.62.052 Chairman Siegrist read the rules and regulations of public hearings to the board and opened the public hearing. James reminded the board that the City of Laurel now has a demand - response public transportation system in place that runs in Laurel Monday's through Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This service is provided with little or no cost to the riders and is open to all ages of riders. Prior to the start up of the new transportation system James was contacted by Blair and Associates from Billings requesting that they be allowed to put in benches in various areas of Laurel that the transportation bus goes to on a regular basis. These benches would be used for advertisement and placed and maintained at no cost to the city. 5 It was discovered that the L.M.C. does not allow advertisement for businesses on other businesses property in the entryway zone district. In order to be able to have advertisement on the benches an addition needs to be added to L.M.C. 17.26.052 as follows: "Bench signs. Bench signs on benches, controlled or authorized by both the Laurel Planning Official and Public Works Director. Indemnification clause or proof of liability insurance may be required by the city ". The wording was copied out of the City of Billings municipal code book. There was no public in attendance. The public hearing was closed at 7:36 pm. Board discussion. Judy Goldsby asked how many benches were going to be placed by Blair and Associates. James stated that they wanted to place up to 30 but will probably only place 12. Blair and Associates have already been in contact with several businesses in Laurel and many of the businesses were interested in getting the benches placed. There are Public Works standard guidelines as to where the benches can be placed on the sidewalk. Blair and Associates handles bench signage all over Montana and have a solid reputation regarding bench signage. A question was brought up on the liability issue. Who would be liable if someone gets hurt on a broken bench? James stated that would be handled through Blair and Associates unless the city blatantly didn't report a bench that had a safety issue and the city was aware of. The City will receive a certain percentage of the advertisement cost and Blair and Associates will place, set and maintain the benches at no cost. To James' know the benches are high quality. A motion was made by Don Brown, seconded by Judy Goldsby to recommend to the City Council that they add a section to 17.26.052 "Bench signs. Bench signs on benches, controlled or authorized by both the Laurel Planning Official and Public Works Director. Indemnification clause or proof of liability insurance may be required by the city ". Motion carried by a vote of 7 -0. Miscellaneous: David Schreder asked if any walking path or sidewalk is planned for E. Maryland around the Iron Horse Subdivision. There is a constant stream of kids walking to school and on that busy street it creates a safety hazard. David reminded James that he was considering requesting sidewalks be placed through the "Safe Routes to Schools" program. 6 James stated that he met with "Safe Routes to Schools" and believes they are going to get into the program but the area David is talking about did not score high as being a safety hazard. The route was viewed as being directly behind the school and there were not many kids that walked that route. John VanAken asked if E. 8 Street was being considered. James stated that very little of that area is in the city limits except for a short stretch. The program director is looking at E. 6 Street crosswalks that go into curbs that have disintegrated. The program doesn't have a lot of funds at this time. James hopes that the city can become involved in the program and gradually be able to fix more areas that are m need. There was a short discussion on sidewalk placement requirements and shoveling sidewalks. John VanAken asked how the new brewery was placed in the old Laurel Ford building when the board denied the request for the auction house in the same building. James stated that zoning table 17.20.010 allows a brewery but an auction house is not allowed in Central Business District zoning. The board discussed the possibility of changing the ordinance at the April 2, 2009 meeting, held a public hearing at the May 7, 2009 meeting and recommended to the City Council that they require a special review for auction houses within the Central Business District. The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 pm. Respectfully submitted, Cheryll Lund, Secretary 7 Baker, floolots ..,. , ,... y � �- :, „ 0, ..."f.r..„:„...r., ,, .4e...,,,...,...,..‘ ,.....„ ..,... .„... 4 f -3 ' . . i 1 , 4 , Z ip , ik:i'irif X lif .1 : * w BATTERY DOCTORS History Battery Doctors is a Division of ProTec International Inc, a large specialty chemical research and development manufacturing company located just outside of Sacramento, California. Founded in 1988, ProTec International has k ; - been successfully developing environmentally ' ', safe products for the petroleum industry, power �L : - t , plants and telecommunication companies in ' l f the United States and overseas. As a member r L .. ' . of the World Trade Center Sacramento and the ' I, ; t_ =•' Better Business Bureau, ProTec International l i: is respected by the international industrial - ' ' community as well as the local business �x. .� community. Some years ago ProTec International began researching u r ways to recondition batteries without , 9-'7 ., 4 " having to take them apart. After � , P °0 if P' °� , extensive laboratory testing and ',$ analysis, ProTec International �._, � developed a non-hazardous chemical "ProBat" and a specifically. - designed charger "ProCharge" that 3 when used together, turn otherwise - , t �; :$ useless batteries into fully functional batteries that can last for many - -. � � ;'��' 7 . s years. BATTERYDOCTORS — A Division of ProTec International C 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 6 • Battery /Joo!os Once independent laboratory tests (conducted by outside laboratories) were completed and this revolutionary new product was proven to be extremely successful, ProTec International began to develop the Battery Doctors Program in overseas markets. Within just a few years. ProTec International established over 1,600 operators in more that 50 countries. Due to the tremendous success in these overseas markets, ProTec International decided to introduce Battery Doctors in the United States. In January of 2003 marketing efforts were taken to establish media and public awareness about the program and the incredible potential it has in the US. The Battery Doctors Program has ° -I proven to be successful as a full time - or part time business. There are � , w ,� many different applications for this - 4 ;� business. - '.. -,', 7,flitZ.-IN 4-',7tigt I rktot,,,,,- fi,-,0,• pritAN, ,_ --2,:ft,,,,a1.-31-7A,.( ,,e . The Battery Doctors program is absolutely one of the best businesses you can own and operate. i It makes good sense to take advantage of the ° . , huge quantities of unnecessarily discarded - ` _ batteries for cars, motorcycles, fleet vehicles, k, trucks, marine, heavy equipment, hospitals, -* a telecommunication, recreation, farming and g - - ` . even the military. In the United States alone, . - battery replacement is a 4 billion dollar market. .S. aecona1aua Satiates l -m th w sr pp With such a high demand for 1 ;, 0 Y LL batteries, ProTec International woe► recognizes the tremendous need , _ and potential for Battery Doctors` "° Operators. The program is easy to ; ; l i 1=1 ar follow and the process is well tested - W _ -- and proven! ," `,4- BIKTTERYDOCTOR.S — A Division of ProTec International itiMIN 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 7 Balier; Doctors tl r " 104,® ® How to Recondition Discarded Batteries Battery reconditioning is the process of selecting batteries which still have sound plates and removing the excess sulphation. PROBAT will help dissolve the hard crystallized sulfate from the plates and return it into the electrolyte thus re- establishing the normal battery voltage and amperage. This is the most effective method for reconditioning a mechanically sound sulfated battery, because the addition of PROBAT can rejuvenate the cells and keep hard - crystallized sulphation from forming again and, you do not have to take the battery apart. Utilizing the Battery Doctors reconditioning process you will be able to service your customers with precision and quality work. The reconditioning process consists of 6 major segments. Reconditioning segments: 1. Inspect and select the batteries suitable for reconditioning. Remember your Battery Doctors program will provide you all the necessary training and support to get started. You receive a step -by -step reconditioning manual, a 40- minute video describing the Battery Doctors reconditioning method in detail, and technical support from our staff. 2. Once the batteries have been selected you add the ProBat to remove the sulphation on the plates. The caps are removed from the top of the battery and the ProBat is poured in. Maintenance free batteries are reconditioned in the same manner with a few additional simple steps. 44 On a typical car size battery you will only need to add 3 oz. x of ProBat to the battery. In fact, during your start-up you receive enough ProBat to recondition 1,200 regular car size batteries. This will ensure that you will make a great profit right from the start. BATTERYDOCTOR.S - A Division of ProTec International 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800-357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 13 Baiory Doctors' Once the ProBat is added, connect your batteries to your ProCharge. The ProCharge was specifically designed to optimize the effects of ProBat. You can charge up to 12 batteries at a time with ProCharge. Batteries typically take between 12 and 24 hours to charge. 4. Inspect the batteries after charging. The batteries should always receive a final inspection to ensure they are properly charged and meet your quality standards. Reconditioned batteries can be sold with a warranty up to 18 months. 55. Clean the battery. It is important to present a high quality "new look" when offering your batteries. Customers expect a clean fresh looking battery and Battery Doctors will show you how to achieve this quickly and easily. I Prepare the battery for sale. You will need to complete the final touches by placing a new label with warranty information on the battery. Labels are included with your initial order. Our training manual and video identifies all the necessary details required to prepare the battery. The Battery Doctors Reconditioning Process is simple to execute and easy to follow. Once you read the manual, view the video and gain experience reconditioning batteries you can become one of the successful, proud and professional BATTERY DOCTORS! ProBat & ProCharge As a Battery Doctors operator you will be able to utilize the superior combination of ProBat® and ProCharge®. This specially developed combination is the key to your success. Utilizing these two revolutionary technologies along with our detailed reconditioning process, you will be able to recondition lead acid batteries of all types and sizes. ProBat and ProCharge are the key elements in the Battery Doctors System. ProBat®, an environmentally safe, non - acidic Battery Life Extender, removes the harmful led- sulfate from the plates and inhibits its reoccurrence, dramatically prolonging the life of batteries. ProCharge is an expandable system designed to maximize ProBat's chemical action and can automatically charge up to 12 batteries safely, in less than 24 hours. BATTERY' DOCTORS — A Division of ProTec International 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 ittiCalfr 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 14 Batiery floo ;y<< ProBat - The Battery Life Extender F Made in the U .S.A. s ProBat® is a powerful, BOTCO LABORATORIES environmentally safe, non -acid, non- hazardous ,,, Gkapel3treet, New Havea, Couectlrnt liquid Battery Life Extender. ProBat® does not only rONEInFNTMI, stop corrosion in batteries, but also LABORATORY INVESTIGATION dramatically prolongs their life! The TEST REPORT beneficial features of this technology Report Tltle: `�' LY'[Lf ACY OF PROBAT fLr/NGA -BATTI BATTERY LIFE F><TEN71J;$ are supported by independent Tert SludE number Laboratory Reports. Botco F209A Laboratories in New Haven, CT. Submitted to PROTEC INTERNATIONAL performed extensive laboratory tests 1872 Ced ar Oak Road Placerville, CslitorNa on ProBat and found it to be very effective. The full Laboratory Reports June 90, 1990 are available upon request. Re.por.ible ]nveallgater: Marvin Botwick nireavr of Labo.alorle. PROBAT - Laboratory Test Result #1. st � 1 , x ,. i -._ . -* 'aa 'L �.+ , el y�t,.s,' r '� .4,•:, q ! as i & k" � i " 'RV''"�'4y' $ � �` ' , ` � °. � Y „b ' <! ` � �if�+ -+,� 1' y 3 '�, �'� �` .h4� °�i x'� y t . , " , � : < t - j''; i ° , ,, 4 i 0, � , ' r w '4. ;, r' - ' is J'4x a ' A plate that has never been in A plate already in use with A plate treated with ProBat contact with electrolyte. large crystals that have shows lead peroxide that has accumulated on the plate. returned to its soft, spongy state, restoring the chemical action in the battery cell. • "After adding ProBat to a normal, mechanically sound, lead acid battery, this laboratory observed that the battery is not harmed by the use of the chemical, has less shedding of active material, and the grids are firmer." • "Cells showed a softer and finer texture of the lead peroxide, resulted in a higher specific gravity reading, operated cooler than the untreated cells, indicated a more effective, charging efficiency, were in better condition BATTERY DOCTORS — A Division of ProTec International Maw 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 15 Battery Doctors mechanically than untreated cells, and when on charge had a distinctly different appearance from untreated cells on charge." • "Separators appeared to suffer less physical deterioration than separators of untreated batteries. The amount of sediment decreased when the battery was on charge and when it was not on charge." • The sulphation condition is inhibited. Accordingly, this laboratory has concluded that this inhibition will add to the useable life of a battery." B e f ore ",; After ProBat® Battery Life Extender can help save the lives of 3 out of 4 batteries. These mechanically sound "dead" batteries can be brought back to life again, once hard sulphation on plates is dissolved. And there is nothing that works better or faster. ProBat is one of the key elements to the Battery Doctors System. Discarding a lead -acid battery that is still mechanically sound is like throwing money in the garbage. =- �- ProCharge® is an advanced automated 12 Volt -e _:_ Battery Charging System that charges and maintains -� .«�;,. - up to 12 batteries at a time. Connect up to 3 °q,, %, ± y Pr units together and with optional lead sets % recondition up to 36 batteries. Each station operates i, ,, , �� i, ry independently. Lights indicate Defective battery, Charging, Maintaining and improper connections. ProCharge prevents overcharging. Functions of ProBat Battery Life Extender are activated during the charging process to eliminate hard crystal lead sulfate and prevent their formation on plates. The slow amp charging prevents brittle plates from deteriorating and falling to the bottom of the casing during the delicate passage from this to the soft lead peroxide state. You can start with a single station to recondition up to 12 batteries and progressively upgrade to a multiple station system that can charge up to 36 batteries at once per station. Of course you can have more than one station allowing you to charge many more batteries at any given time. ProCharge is one of the key elements to the Battery Doctors System. BATTERY DOCTORS - A Division of ProTec International ifiNatilf 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 16 • Battery Doctors BATTERYDOCTORS Safety Safety is a critical aspect of our program! When the program was being developed we wanted to ensure that it could be done in a variety of locations, such as your home, repair shop or a large warehouse. The entire program allows you to feel safe when reconditioning batteries. Always follow ALL safety regulations to ensure a safe environment! Let's review the many safety features that were built into the Battery Doctors Program: • ProBat is a Non - Hazardous, biodegradable fluid that is safe and does not have acid in it. • ProCharge is a safe slow amp charging system that prevents brittle plates from deteriorating and is safe to use with typical home electrical outlets. • ProCharge was designed so that each station operates independently. Lights indicate proper charging, a defective battery, maintaining charge and improper connections. ProCharge prevents overcharging by shutting off automatically. • The reconditioning system was developed so that you do NOT have to take the battery apart. • The system also does NOT require you to remove any of the acid therefore you do not have any hazardous material waste or storage. • Our manual and video will teach you the proper and safe methods to recondition and operate your business. The Battery Doctors Program is safe and easy to follow. All safety regulations should be followed. You should always consider safety for you and your employees above all else. BATTERYDOCTORS — A Division of ProTec International 6051 Enterprise Dr., Dept 101 Diamond Springs, CA 95619 1- 800 - 357 -4003 Fax: (530) 622 -5945 www.BATTERYDOCTORS.com Page 17