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1992-14302-Minutes for Meeting April 20,1992 Recorded 4/27/199292-14302 0115-0275 PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES BEND AGGREGATE NOISE VARIANCE DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS April 20, 1992 ,'�;`' ' �� r,� ti' L' _'' C01 IN' r Y C1_ r K Chairman Maudlin called the meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Board members in attendance were: Dick Maudlin, Tom Throop and Nancy Pope Schlangen. Also present were: Rick Isham, County Counsel and Dave Leslie, Planner. The purpose of this public hearing was to take testimony on a variance application submitted by Bend Aggregate and Paving. The applicant requested a variance to the hours of operation to allow the operation of a hot mix asphalt plant, equipment and trucks between the hours of 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. from April 20, 1992 to June 30, 1992, at their property located at 64543 Highway 20 W. Chairman Maudlin opened the public hearing and asked for a staff report. Rick Isham gave the staff report which is attached to these minutes. Jim Curl, 64543 Highway 20, Bend, OR 97701, testified as the applicant for this variance. He read the attached March 23, 1992, letter into the record. He said after discussions with County Counsel, he requested that the starting hour move up to 3 a.m. from the 4 a.m. requested in this letter since there was a possibility they might need to start this early. He then read the attached March 27, 1992, letter into the record. Since this request was made, they experimented holding the hot mix overnight. It hadn't worked in the past since the asphalt mix generated its own heat when it was stored for a long time, making it hard and unusable. This time they put some turbine oil lines from their circulating pump over to the bottom of the silo and experimented with mixing temperature, and they were able to mix the asphalt on 4:30 p.m. on last Thursday night and at 4:00 a.m. the next morning the mix was still usable. So they anticipated they would be able to mix the night before, so the only noise which would be outside of the allowed hours would be two -three trucks, getting the mix and taking it to the site. This was a new development of which neither the Commissioners nor the neighbors were aware. The only times when this would not work were on Monday mornings (since the Contractor would be working Sunday night), or in case of an emergency because of the weather when they wouldn't know ahead of time whether the hot mix would be needed. Until the job was actually started, they would not know how long it was going to take to patch the water line trench, so that they could be off the street by 7 a.m. Rick Isham pointed out that the period of the request was much longer than the actual approximately 20 days needed, since it was not possible to determine in advance which days the hot mix would be needed. KEY¢ PAGE 1 MINUTES: 4-20-92 0115-02'76 Jim Curl said that based upon an approximate 100 feet of trench to patch per day, he estimated it would take 20 days to do the job. He said they didn't want to disturb anyone in the early morning hours, but didn't see any way around it on Monday mornings. Commissioner Throop asked if he had talked with any of the people in the Tumalo neighborhood about this proposal. Mr. Curl said they had not held a neighborhood meeting, but he had had informal discussions with people at the Tumalo Store. He had a letter of support from a neighbor lady, and there were a couple of people in the audience who came to support the requested variance. Commissioner Schlangen wanted to verify that the variance was just for the hot plant on Monday mornings and just for the trucks on Tuesday through Friday mornings. Mr. Curl said that was correct since they were not going to work weekends. Commissioner Throop said he had been told by a Tumalo area resident that the start up of the plant was very loud, but after the start up, the operation of the plant was not nearly so loud. Mr. Curl said he hadn't detected any more noise on the start up of the plant than from the operational noise. The only way he could tell that the plant was operating was to look out his window and see the steam plume. He did not hear any increase in the noise level when it started. Chairman Maudlin asked how much asphalt they would be hauling a day to take care of the 100-120 feet of water line work a day. Mr. Curl said about 20 tons or two trucks. He couldn't imagine needed more than three trucks at the outside. Chairman Maudlin asked if on Mondays when they needed to start early, if they would continue to operate the remainder of the day. Mr. Curl said they would continue to work a normal work schedule in addition to the early morning time. Bob Mitchel, 64404 Coor Avenue, Bend, 97701, testified that he lived right across the street from the hot plant and had for 30 years. He said when the hot plant started up, it had the same noise level all day. He said it was "not that annoying." The most annoying sounds where the trucks using their Jake breaks, but were not necessarily Bend Aggregate trucks. The hot plant had never woken up members of his family when it was in operation. Donald Cross, 19937 Elm Lane, Bend, 97701, read the attached testimony. Commissioner Throop asked Mr. Cross if the window of operation for the hot plant could be narrowed, and if it would only occur on one day a week (Monday mornings), would that be acceptable to him on a short term basis? Mr. Cross said it was possible if the conditions were in writing and the variance would be revoked if they violated the conditions, and the applicant signed the agreement. He PAGE 2 MINUTES: 4-20-92 0115-0277 expressed great concern for what impact this level of noise would have on the members of the Tumalo community, especially the children. He said there was no evidence concerning the ongoing noise level and what affect it could have on people. He didn't want his community to be a noise test case. He played a tape of the noise from outside his home which was approximately 1/2 mile from the Bend Aggregate plant. He had purchased a noise meter and at the levels he recorded, Federal Law would require ear plugs. He pointed out the loud beeping of the equipment when backing up which registered 98 decibels. Dick Heinz, 19939 Fir Lane, Bend, 97701, testified that he lived about 1/2 block closer to the river than Mr. Cross and was close to the canyon wall which acted as a "sounding board." He said the hot plant had a very high starting noise level. The steam or noise sounded like a jet airplane taking off. Occasionally, when his windows were partially opened, they would rattle from this noise. He felt the public had a right to peace and quiet. He was extremely opposed to any variance to grant operation during the early morning hours. He suggested Bend Aggregate use the time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. to get the work done, or extend the hours of operation to 11 p.m. if necessary, but not to the morning hours. He felt a period of 2-1/2 months was excessive when they were actually only going to need to operate for 20 days. He wanted more specifics in the request. Concerning Rob Mitchel's testimony, he pointed out that his family was or had been employed by Bend Aggregate. Commissioner Throop asked if he would be willing to be a member of a small working group to see if an agreement could be worked out which would accomplish everyone's objectives to the greatest degree possible? Mr. Heinz said he would. Chairman Maudlin pointed out that if a variance was granted, it would be in writing and would contain specific provisions for operation. He said the County was not going to make an open-ended commitment on any variance. Bernie Hayes, 20746 Livengood Way, Bend 97701, testified on behalf of Pierett Brothers who were the prime contractors on the project in question. The project was a City of Bend water line extension which was going down the center median strip on 3rd Street (Hwy 97) from approximately Hayes Avenue to Cleveland or Mckinley. Since it was a state highway, the state dictated the terms under which the work could be done. One of the terms was that by 7 a.m. each morning, the section being worked on had to be permanently paved and open to traffic. They would not accept a temporary closure. The term of the contract was for 60 days, and they didn't know exactly how long the project would take. They had to deal with unknown conditions which were seven to ten feet underground. There were undoubtedly areas of solid rock which would impact the rate of progress. There were numerous utilities under this street, and the PAGE 3 MINUTES: 4-20-92 0115-02'78 existing maps did not outline precisely where they were, which could produce problems or delays. The asphalt work had to be done from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. because that was the last phase of the operation. Commissioner Throop asked when he might have a clearer picture of the time frame needed. Mr. Hayes said they would never be absolutely certain of the daily progress, but he felt after they had worked on the project for a couple of days, they could estimate more closely what the overall time schedule would be. They would start the project that evening, and it was to the contractor's advantage to get the project done as quickly as possible. They would need the first batches of asphalt tomorrow morning to patch the work they did this evening. Chairman Maudlin said that if they encountered sewer or other lines, they might only be able to go 10 feet in one evening. Mr. Hayes said they dug up a sample area to determine what utilities were in that area, however none of the utilities were where they were supposed to be. Chairman Maudlin asked if they patched this sample area. Mr. Hayes said they didn't since they broke out a sidewalk area for the sample. Chairman Maudlin asked if they had just dug a ten foot strip and found problems and could go no further that evening, would the state require that asphalt be brought out between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. to patch this strip. Mr. Hayes said they would, but he didn't anticipate that happening very often. Concerning the lack of more notice before this project was to start, Mr. Hayes said that after this water line work was completed, the State was going to resurface Third Street, so the State was anxious for the project to more forward. Dick Heinz asked if a 20 -foot square was dug out, and they found a problem which could not be resolved by 7 a.m., would the area have to be filled up and patched and dug out again the next day? Mr. Hayes said yes, they would. The street had to be open for traffic at 7 a.m. Jim Curl clarified that the equipment which had back up alarms (beeps) would not be used during the early morning time requested in the variance. The trucks would only pull into the silo, open the gate, and the material would drop into the trucks. The trucks did not have back up alarms. Commissioner Throop said he felt the parties were getting reasonably close to an workable accommodation and suggested that this public hearing be recessed for 15 minutes, so the parties could meet informally with the Board to narrow the issues and perhaps reach an agreement. The Board agreed to recess the public hearing so the parties could meet. The meeting was reconvened, and the public hearing was closed. PAGE 4 MINUTES: 4-20-92 0115-02'79 THROOP: I'll move that County Counsel draft by 3:00 p.m. this afternoon an operating procedure which describes that 30 working days will be provided for the operation of equipment outside the 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. window; that on Mondays of those 30 days, the batch plant will also have the opportunity to operate; and then if there is an emergency that requires the operation of the batch plant other than a Monday, that Mr. Curl will make contact with Mr. Heinz, and if that isn't resolved at that point, that the two of them will make contact with one member of the Board, and if its not resolved at that point, then we'll hold an emergency meeting of the Board to get this resolved in order to facilitate this project. SCHLANGEN: Tom, the only thing you left out is that we do grant the variance to Bend Aggregate with the following conditions. THROOP: That's definitely a friendly amendment. On Tuesday through Friday, we're assuming that it's primarily truck operations. SCHLANGEN: With my amendment, I second it. THROOP: And that's subject to review this afternoon. VOTE: THROOP: YES SCHLANGEN: YES MAUDLIN: YES DATED this � day of , 1992, by the Board of Commissioners of Deschutes Co y, OregoAi. TEST: Recording Secretary PAGE 5 MINUTES: 4-20-92 Tom , y--.;ommi s s .y,oner Nancy Popt hlangen, Commissvioner ick Md'u lixt, Ch6irman r 0115-0280 STAFF REPORT APPLICANT: Bend Aggregate and Paving 64543 Highway 20, W. Bend, Oregon The applicant has requested a variance to the hours of operation to allow the operation of a hot mix asphalt plant, equipment and trucks between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from April 20, 1992 to June 30, 1992, at property located at 64543 Highway 20, W., Bend, Oregon, see attachment "A." The standards and criteria applicable to the application are Chapter 8.08, Deschutes County Code; Chapter 467, Oregon Revised Statutes; and Title 22, Deschutes County Code. Staff contact is Marlene Heck, Board of County Commissioners Office, 1130 NW Harriman, Bend, Oregon. Public hearing is scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, April 20, 1992, in the Board of County Commissioners conference room, 1130 NW Harriman, Bend, Oregon. APPLICABLE REGULATIONS Deschutes County Code 8.08.080 provides: 8.08.080 variances. The board of county commissioners may grant personal nonassignable variances of expressly limited duration and covering a defined geographical area from the operation of this chapter after public hearing following the procedures of Division 1 of Title 18 of this code and satisfy the variance burden of proof under the current county zoning ordinance. In addition to the standards provided therein, the board of commissioners shall apply the relevant provisions of Oregon Revised Statutes Section 467.060. ORS 467.060 provides: 467.060 Issuance, revocation or modification of specific variances; grounds. (1) The Environmental Quality Commission by order may grant specific variances from the particular requirements of any rule or standard to such specific persons or class of persons or such specific noise emission source, upon such conditions as it may consider necessary to protect the public health, safety and welfare. The specific variance may be limited in duration. The commission shall grant a specific variance only if it finds that strict compliance with the rule or standard is inappropriate because: 4 0115-0281 (a) Conditions exist that are beyond the control of the persons applying for the variance; (b) Special circumstances render strict compliance unreasonable, unduly burdensome or impractical due to special physical conditions or cause; (c) Strict compliance would result in substantial curtailment or closing down of a business, plant or operation; or (d) No other alternative facility or method of operating is yet available. (2) The commission by rule may delegate to the Department of Environmental Quality, on such conditions as the commission may find appropriate, the power to grant variances and to make the finding required by subsection (1) of this section to justify any such variance. (3) In determining whether or not a variance shall be granted, the commission or the department shall consider the equities involved and the advantages and disadvantages to residents and to the person conducting the activity for which the variance is sought. (4) A variance may be revoked or modified by the commission. The commission may revoke or modify a variance if it finds: (a) Violation of one or more conditions of the variance; (b) Material misrepresentation of fact in the variance application or other representations of the variance holder; (c) Material change in any of the circumstances relied upon by the commission or department in granting the variance; or (d) A material change or absence of any of the circumstances set forth in paragraphs (a) to (d) of subsection (1) of this section. (5) The procedure for denial, modification, or revocation of a variance shall be the procedure for a contested case as provided in ORS 183.310 to 183.550. Necessity for a Variance A variance is required because the hours of operation of the machinery and equipment is prohibited pursuant to Section 8.08.030, Deschutes County Code. A report has been filed by Bend Aggregate and Paving relative to the variance request, see attachment "B." Noise levels measured at the intersection of Riverview Avenue and Cedar Lane, northeast of Highway 20 across from the plant, measured on March 27, 1992, indicated a noise level of 50-55 dBA with at least one car in sight on Highway 20. Traffic noise on Highway 20 at that location was measured between 60 and 70 dBA. 0115-0282 According to the report, DEQ allowable noise limits from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. are L1 60 dBA, L10 55 dBA, and L50 50 dBA. The necessity for operating at the hours requested are that paving on Third Street in the City of Bend is required to occur during the nighttime hours and be completed prior to 7:00 each morning. Recommendation Staff finds that due to the necessity of paving during hours when the operation of the equipment would be prohibited, the applicant has no control over the hours of operation in order to accomplish the public work project. These circumstances render a strict compliance with the noise standards applicable to this application as being unduly burdensome and impractical, and that there is no other way to produce the hot mix asphalt for the Third Street paving project without operating the plant during the hours requested. Staff recommends that the variance application be approved as requested. DATED: April 13, 1992. %R*h . Isham, utes County Legal Counsel PH13NE 382-2103 WE DELIVER - CRUSHED ROCK CONCRETE AGGREGATE MASON ZAND FILL MATERIALS March 23. 1992 A-TrA-<--&vA &-(u? "A " 0115-028364 543 HWy. 20 W. BEND AGGREGATE & PAVING CO. BEND. OREGON 97701-9058 Deschutes County Commssioner 'Dick Maudlin. Chairman 1130 N W Harriman Bend OR 97701 WE INSTALL - ASPHALTIC CONCRETE PENETRATION MACADAM CMULSIIrIEO WEARING SURFACES RECE111E MAR 2 4 1992 ARS'd ------------ Pursuant to Deschutes County Noise Control Ordinance. Paragraph 8.08.080 Variances. Bend Aggregate & Paving Co.. requests a variance to operate the Tumalo asphalt plant before 7:00 a.m. on weekdays. We are a subcontractor to Pieratt Bros.. on the City of Bend Third Street Waterline Project. We will be furnishing and installing the hot mix asphalt to patch the trench for the Job. The. specifications call for working only between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. with all open trench to be patched before 7:00 a.m. We anticipate this work to take approximately 20 days. depending of course on the prime contractor's schedule. Until the job begins we really don't know what time we will need to start the order to complete the work by 7:00 a.m.. but our best guess is 4:00 a.m. plus or minus. We would appreciate your attention to this request at your earliest convenience. Very truly yours, BEND AGGREGATE & PAVING CO. James M. Curl iMC:Io let. mdIn Nancy Popp Schlangen Tom Throop PHONE 302-2103 WE DELIVER - CRUSHED ROCK CONCRETE AGGREGATE MABON SAND 'ILL MATERIALS ( (3r' 0115_n 64543 HWY. 20 W. V E D BEND AGGREGATE & PAVING CO.WE ^INSTALL - MAR 3 0 19 a..LTIC BEND. OREGON 9770:-9058 �/-�7C/D NCR- E PENETRATION MACADAM EMULSIfIEO WEARING SURFACES March 27, 1992 Dick Maudlin. Chairman Deschutes County Commissioner 1130 N W Harriman Bend. Oregon 97701 Re: Bend Aggregate & Paving Co.. variance request (Deschutes County Noise Control Ordinance). Additional information requested by Karen Green. DEQ- ALLOWABLE NOISE LIMITS: 7 AM - 10 PM L 1 75 dBA L 10 60 dBA L 50 55 dBA 10 PM - 7 AM 60 dBA 55 dBA 50 dBA Measured noise levels at C/O Riverview Avenue and Cedar Lane (N E of Highway 20 across from Tumalo plant) measured 1S min. at 7:30 a.m.. 3-27-92. Traffic Noise. Hwy 20 - 60 - 70 + dBA Asphalt Plant. with at least one car in sight on Hwy - 50 - 55 dBA Besides asphalt plant vehicular traffic would involve approximately 2 - 3 trucks exiting onto Hwy 20 to Bend. Our best estimate of start time and duration of operation is addressed in March 23. 1992. letter to County Commissioners. Due to the general contractor's anticipated start date in approximately 2 weeks. your earliest possible attention to this request would be appreciated Very truly yours. BEND AGGREGATE & PAVING CO- Jame O. James M. Curl JMC:10 f, 1 0115-0285 Jorma LG F �ras s IG1G33 ELw► Ltij j � n � ,� i � � � �� �� � G �; cs� •� " f .� � C. 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