Council approves Particle Control facility in Otsego I‑94 West Industrial Park

City planning staff told the council that Particle Control Incorporated, based in Albertville, will combine two existing lots in the Otsego I‑94 West Industrial Park to create a 7.5‑acre Lot 1 for a proposed industrial facility and an outlot to preserve wetlands and stormwater basins.

Planner Dan described the application package as including a combined preliminary and final plat, site and building plans for a first‑phase structure of 38,400 square feet and a future warehouse phase of 87,500 square feet. Staff said the property is guided for industrial use in the 2023 comprehensive plan and is zoned I‑2 General Industrial; the site plan and plat were reviewed by the city engineer for utilities and stormwater and were found to meet ordinance requirements subject to conditions.

Dan said the planning commission held the required public hearing and, with no public comments, voted 6‑0 to recommend approval subject to 14 conditions. Staff noted there is no park‑dedication requirement because the application combines two existing lots rather than subdividing new lots with added residential impact.

During council Q&A the applicant projected hiring “up to 40, probably a little more, maybe 50” employees over time and estimated truck activity would ramp up, with a likely near‑term average of about eight trucks per day. Staff discussed landscaping (minimal, with screening for waste containers), sign permitting and irrigation; the code allows up to 200 square feet for wall or freestanding signs and freestanding signs up to 50 feet in height subject to a sign permit.

Council Member Corey moved to adopt the resolution vacating existing drainage and utility easements and approving the preliminary and final plat and site/building plans for Lot 1, Block 1 of the Otsego I‑94 West Industrial Park Fifth Edition. The motion was seconded and the council approved the action by voice vote (motion passed).