The URL can be used to link to this page

Browse Search

Home My WebLink About20000671.tiff 20167 Northmoor Drive Johnstown,CO 80534 VI;1 n Coif March 20, 2000 cn^,,,;i r 2110 !MR 23 AN 8: 32 Weld County Board of County Commissioners 915 - 10th Street ,� Greeley,CO 80631 �E�l-!VED RE: USR-1258 The Potburg Dairy Expansion In February of 1999, I contacted the Sharyn Frazer in the Weld County Planning Department in response to a Greeley Tribune article detailing a zoning violation at the Potburg Dairy(Longs Peak Dairy L.L.C). Apparently the dairy had 80 more cattle than permitted, and in order to keep more than 1,600 cattle the dairy would be filing for a special review to increase operations to 2,120 head. I wanted to voice my complaints about the current operation, and my concerns about any future expansion. The odor from the dairy had been so bad for the past year that we were seldom able to enjoy our backyard for the smell.On warm summer days, evenings, and nights we had to keep all windows dosed to keep the smell from permeating our home. I didn't want to complain about the dairy. I drink milk I know where it comes from. I wanted to be a good neighbor, and, I truly wanted to support a local farm family. However, now I was concerned because my original understanding was that the diary had about 1,000 head;now it was up to 1,680 and was soon going to 2,120. I could not imagine how much more our quality of life (and property values) would be affected if all of this were doubled! What makes this situation so different from so many like situations on the Front Range in these times of rampant growth into agrarian areas is that this subdivision was here long before the dairy at its present site: The dairy moved in years after the subdivision was well established. If it were the other way around, I would not be writing this letter and I firmly believe the residents of Northmoor Acres would have no grounds for any type of complaint. But, it's not the other way around. I can't imagine any prudent businessman moving a dairy operation right next to an existing housing area. Ms. Frazer was extremely courteous and competent. She explained to me that the Potburgs were indeed permitted to have 1,600 cows on the acreage. I told her that I wanted the opportunity to give input whenever there was to be a hearing on any possible expansion. She said that in order for an expansion to occur,notice would be posted so that the neighbors in Northmoor Acres would have a chance to give their input. During the following year of driving past the dairy three to four times a week, I never saw anything posted about this special review. Imagine my shock to learn that the Planning Commission had recently approved the expansion! What also makes this situation so different from so many like situations is that a member of the Planning Commission is an owner of the dairy. After experiencing the type of"notice" given of this special review,I do not feel confident that our concerns will be given fair and equitable redress. That type of treatment of neighbors and constituents does not build trust. If the intentions were to post a legal and honest notice, it would have been placed so Weld County citizens like myself would have a chance to see it. I reiterate my concerns about the odor,the other issues related to a dairy of this size, and their affect on our quality of life and property values. Please take these into consideration when making your decisions. I appreciate your -,,listening to all of us at Northmoor Acres. ace()—(%7/ Sincerl Y, aki Sue Burke Uj 7 Allen Bergerud Linda Cooper 20626 Northmoor Drive I/.VELD CCI.Jj j.y Johnstown, CO 80534 re1 0Dtce,i" (970)587-2896 March 21, 2000 2LU1 MAR 27 AN 9: 39 RECEIVED Board of County Commissioners 915 10th Street Greeley, CO 80631 Subject: USR-1258, Podtburg Dairy Expansion Dear Commissioners: Please consider denying the special permit request of the Podtburg Dairy.. As we understand,the request was granted by Weld County Zoning and Planning and is now before the Board of County Commissioners for final review. Northmoor Homeowners would have been better able to express their concerns to the Zoning and Planning Board had more known of the proposal. The limited placement and duration of posting of signs regarding the meeting to consider the request is an obvious act on the part of the dairy. Whether intentional or not it is consistent with their actions of the past. There are times now when the odor and noise are unbearable. What will a 25% increase bring? Especially considering the pivots available to spray directly from their holding pens? The manure isn't properly disposed of now. Increased manure and now spraying holding pond waste will only increase the odor. The spraying will happen without the permit 1'r approval. How will the Podtburgs increase standards when they haven't met existing ones? We are willing to concede that people should have some rights to do what they want to with their own property. However,Northmoor Estates has been an established subdivision and doesn't qualify under: "life in the country-live by a dairy" status as the dairy moved into our backyard when they were wanted out of Johnstown proper. Consideration should be given to the homeowners' concerns about property values. The homes in this area are detrimentally affected by the location of the dairy. Northmoor Homeowners payed to pave County Roads 11 and 44(44 from I25 to WCR 11). Weld County eventually paved WCR 44 all the way to WCR 13. These roads were not designed for the kind of traffic that the dairy generates. The noise, odor, flies all decrease the value of these homes. The dairy will not be going away but should not be allowed to benefit at Northmoor's expense. Lastly, I would like to ask the Board to consider the detrimental effect to our environment. The lay of the land is very convenient for runoff. There is natural slew or ravine. How will the dairy guarantee this won't happen? It appears to flow directly to the Little Thompson River. How much can be sprayed on the open fields safely? If this issue is passed,how will violations be dealt with? We don't believe there is any chance of undoing or downsizing a dairy. It is best not to let it happen. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,e Sincerely, eq,y telet-'inda Allen Bergerud Lper C: Northmoor Estates Board of Directors Weld County Zoning and Planning let D COt NTYChnoweth �r•, 204fl,61No moorar f 7 a R 29 �� a 27 joh�nst0 ,,nc,eO180584 'RECE V._.iD March 27, 2000 Board of County Commissioners 915 10`b Street Greeley, CO 80631. Dear Commissioner I would like to offer my support of the Podtburg Dairy,USR-1258,to increase its herd of cattle to 2000 head. I live on the east side boundary of Northmoor Acres. I am confident they will continue to do a good job of controlling their environmental actions that affect my neighborhood. Respectfully yours Kathleen Chynoweth Homeowner kc WELD CLU:TY From: "Bob Gabriella" <bobgabe@prodigy.net> To: <charding@co.weld.co.us> 2® APR I3 AM 8: 12 Date: 4/13/00 7:29am Subject: Longs Peak Dairy, LLC Dear County Commissioners, I am adamently opposed to the Podtburg Dairy growing larger by way of Special Review Permit #1258. We've been told that regulations will be stricter if the dairy gets another 400 head of cattle, but I find it hard to believe that the smell can possibly get any better with that many more cows. I am also GREATLY concerned about runoff if there is a bad rainstorm. The damage to the river could be tremendous, although with their present number of cattle, the damage would also be great. I don't believe their runoff ponds could contain it all. I also find it "interesting" that this has gotten as far as it has. I believe that one of the Commissioners being an owner of this dairy has a large sway in the matter and I think that's disgusting. My vote is a resounding NO. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Diana Gabriella 20454 Cactus Dr. leTh Johnstown, CO 80534 em WELD From: Robert Craig <rcraig@uswest.com> CO .,r... r To: <charding@co.weld.co.us> ? Date: 4/17/00 10:08am APR j / �I 2: 15 Subject: Docket# 2000-16 REC' ,1'I LD Board of County Commissioners: Regarding Docket# 2000-16: Longs Peak Dairy, LLC As a resident of Northmoor Acres in Weld County, I request the commission at the least delay the request of Longs Peak Dairy for a Special Review Permit at the site described in the application. Northmoor Acres is a residential community located immediately west of the current "livestock confinement operation". As such residents are directly affected by the activities of the current dairy operation. We purchased our house in Northmoor 5 years ago and are located directly west of the dairy. We were told by the realtor, the county had assured the residents, the small dairy operation west of our development would not be expanded. Within 2 years the operations had been expanded to its current level. With the expansion the noise and aroma increased significantly. The dairy operators assured Northmoor they would take steps to insure the impact on our community were limited. This does not appear to have occurred. Other residents have noted contamination to the grounds around the dairy. The smell has increased of recent months. The expansion planned by Longs Peak Dairy can only increase these problems. There appears to be no guidelines within the county to monitor the operations and protect the rights of nearby property owners. There have been a number of calls made to the county about conditions at the operation, only to be told there is nothing the county can do. As a property owners we in Northmoor do not want to see our property values decline, based on the "expansion" of the current operation. Had the development been built after the expansion of the operation, the homeowner would understand the effects of the dairy on their life and property. However, Northmoor is a long and well established community that should not be subjected to this expansion. I understand Weld County is an agricultural county and the rights of the ag community must be respected. But to expand such an operation, next to a established residential community seems unwise, ill-advised and self-serving. Finally, I have been given information that one member of the planning _ board who reviewed the initial application and recommended approval, has 4 re.‘ a personal and financial stake in the dairy operation. Is this true? If so, is this a conflict of interest? I hope the commissioners will consider this application carefully and take into consideration not only the benefits to the dairy, but the concerns of Northmoor residents as well. Respectfully submitted, Robert L. Craig 5490 Sage Ct. Johnstown, CO 80534 (Northmoor Acres) r in f j ,'r a- r ,1 gal C } ,( Board of Coady Comml 'oners 915 ltsbtet,Greeley Weld County,Colorado April 16,2000 Dear Sir or Madam: I am addressing this letter regarding USR 1258•Podtburg Dairy. As a resident of Northmoor residing at 5411 Mesquite Ct east side of Northmoor development and across from the dairy, I am fully aware of the dairy's operation. My family and I chose to live here 3 years ago.,knowing this was an agricultural zoned area. We enjoy the sounds from the cattle and delight in viewing the pastures all around us with the cattle grazing. The Podtburg's are good hard working farmers and their farm and animals are kept very clean. Yes, there are flies, but, that's the country and we have learned how to work around that Yes, there are the smells occasionally; however, it's only temporally and soon it's gone. I do not have the opportunity to ever become a farmer, however, I will whole heartily support a farmer. My family enjoys dairy and meat products a great deal and we are thankful to those who chose this type of livelihood. We have no objections to the increase of their dairy. We believe they well do everything in compliance 1'. with the Health Department regarding the wastewater and their operation. Sincerely, Scott and Kim Coulson m Oau, em -\ - --- .� --; - 1 -[ - o a F,4,_ ' - - - -- --- - -_ _ _ .1,t 3,111110-t4wyd4tilts2staLy‘tururvjal Czyt.QA -- - ----atr-Le aAII1n1I-- ...-- - -- - - - - -_gip_-5g - a Coq- - - - - - _ - --- -- -,VI-jo...).—_,,u_i' a__ ..12,12_tha 4 +..„ o...1 4,9 ._.(2.,„,...r . 1. _____Jam![ .` _ — —Sc,,,a,_____ ___Q_ah,_____41,,,..,,t ,. Lt.:D .7_ LVOittb-tul,Cluz) ___ania.1,-,___zip__ cam.u.-e _ enk,- - -----. - - -- - - -- — ._ ---- --- - - !n- �- - - - i )—- ---- `ice - u - - - r AJLCOn -e-n, • C- /^N, To whom it may concern: On behalf of the Podtburg farm's, concerning the increase in cattle. We live at the bottom of Catclaw Court. Our feelings are,that if you want to live in the country,then deal with the life that country livingbrings. Including.smells and.alL. If you don't want to deal with the smells of the country, then move to the city. So far, we have not noticed a huge increase in smell with the new sprinkler system,wich runs directly along our property line to the North of us. We are actually thankful for the moisture that will be on that field now. Me feeling is that the food and milk that I consume, has to come from somewhere, and I chose to live in the county because of the fanning community. They are good people. 'ncer y,Al hari L. Wittkom ' 0727 Catclaw Ct. Johnstown, CO 80534 d rm J .' MEMORANDUM rs TO: Board of County Commissioners (\ April 19, 2000 C.OtO O• From: Julie A. Chester, Lead Planner SUBJECT: Development Standard fo U / 25 The Weld County Department of Planning Services' and Department of Public Health and Environment are recommending the following change to Development Standard #14: 14. The facility shall maintain records on-site, available for inspection during business hours, at all times, which demonstrates the following: A. That the waste water collection and storage facilities are adequately constructed, and sized to handle a 25-year 24-hour storm event. B. The manner in which manure and waste water has been removed and applied to land. C. The method in which waste water and/or manure will be applied to land, including the procedure which will be used to insure that agronomic rates are not exceeded. I ^ This change reflects the deletion of the following sentence: This should also include any agreements between the facility and other parties concerning the off-site removal of manure or waste water for land application, treatment or disposal. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment did not include this language in their referral. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. . J • 20727 20728 20720 %' ?(1799 � I N i I ZU738 ' Jo isr 7a �Q1'� ` .yam 4 20650 0 . J 20648 . l _ 20649) p ' Y11649 \20627 0' / CO I B , 18 O' 20 . �6 .+ ?" _m _� 0 •66 ; 2096 �,,,� , X16 ''20 ' - � ,y - ' - -. ` s 20957 Xy +�/��b\ 1, 20546 El © • ® • m , is ' ,' 1 ..T 1. f 20537 ' _�' CB 20777 , la 2051E ` _� 20478 20487 ' 20476 I i 50377 5077 3i 7'i•5137i� � ;yi{ 20446 Tao'Ca 7 )4,1 5036 5076 511615136 15291 5341 5371 5411 1 20406_, L t 0 �• ""` 20376 0 0 I 4 r 5290 5340 '5370 •d I 20454 =I li,� . O © . En • \ i( 20®336 YY 20337 / ._._...r y 20503j20453 .20293 t ® 10287. O „ ' 0" c B 0 20286 `o'er, ® y 3 114 ��5@73 5113 '0\v,\:, tn05299m o © • © , ® r ® . . 2024 o ' © 20226 � i ® fib 7 ;r I - ® ; p 5032 5072 5112 5132 b, , ( ® i .90� 0 0 0 , 0 1IfI® ' 1671 ®0156 C ' -- - / - I o �� 20127 1 5411 5451 / i O • 0` • 0 ' © t I 1 20097 .0 , 1 ' soil 5071 5111 5131 I �2 g ♦ 549.1, I 20059 5490 ' � � 5 _� 4p v O 4 f ! 503° ' s® s�tar �® j ® • ® • �I 5110 5130 . r I 20027 1 . ' 5450\ L r kJ ,,..rt‘♦a I. Y $`` 1i r k + a,.p •d.. r t'. 7 , i d lee. P II i z3w i p,,:'4, 3 A" f : iz )4:+b; I,,' 'sl;u d Q i I ate^ g. s,c• I Ili:t 4 9? jr :Jlf, t ., '..,!,t ' LAC'itJukr a ! L02'r'Fs' Gil, rt 5 I g. S g L ri 4 5C 44 a Cid ---,?5,,'",.:. ,F;N .- L ) I �..c rr I • y pp . n ' � [a- V j .$�' . tea! .. I _ H RE: Case Number USR 1258 F—' April 19, 2000 Dear County Commissioners and ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today. I am here as a homeowner from Northmoor Acres and currently sit on the Board of Directors for the Northmoor Acres Homeowner's Association.. I am concerned about my property value,the surrounding environment and my family's and neighbor's quality of life should this special permit be granted. For those of you that do not know about the Northmoor Acres subdivision, here are a few facts. There are 121 lots in the community and 117 lots have homes built on them. The size of the lots range from one to two acres and my guess is that real estate values range from$160,000 to$350,000. My home, "average" for the community, is located at 20337 Northmoor Drive, shown here with the X. Our subdivision is zoned"residential"and I currently pay more than $1,600 in residential taxes. If you multiply this figure by 117 homes,that is more than 185,000 tax dollars paid by Northmoor residents each year to Weld County. Now, a little history.. When the Podtburgs purchased the land approximately 20 years ago,the same land being considered for special /^'' permit today,Northmoor Acres was already established. We were no surprise to anyone. There were homes in full view when the purchase was made. I can't begin to understand why someone would purchase this land, intending it for a dairy, knowing they would have a residential subdivision neighbors. And, surely there must of been options over the years to purchase other land that would not impact an established community, and be located further from a growing city, But, I suppose there is no need to go there at this point.... Six years ago when I purchased my home, there was a small dairy in operation--my guess is 200 head of dairy cattle--to the east of the subdivision. After my purchase, I learned that the land was owned by the Podtburgs and that there were plans to expand at some time in the future. Previously,the Podtburgs were operating on a piece of land just west of Johnstown. But, approximately two years ago, after selling the land to a developer,they began the expansion on the current site. Please believe me when I say that I have no issue with the Podtburgs using their land in a way that is based on the regulations currently in place in Weld County--four head per acre X 400 acres equaling 1,600 cattle. But,the use of the land in this manner these pact two years, has impacted Northmoor property owners, some more than others. The odor at times is unbearable and the flys--I've never seen so many flys. Last summer, on many occasions I was awakened or kept awake by flies bussing around my head. If you've ever been in a deep sleep and been awakened by a fly landing of your ear, cheek or nose you know that its not an enjoyable experience--funny perhaps to you now but not pleasant. Imagine chasing flies around your bedroom with a fly swatter in the middle of the night in a sleepy stupor. The windows don't even have to be open and they still manage to get inside. And, I have never seen live flys during the winter!! This past winter,as never before, hundreds of flys lived or slept between my screens and storm windows. This may be due in part to the mild winter we had but does this mean we'll have to deal with two years accumulation of flys this summer? This is to say nothing of the waste and bacteria the flys deposit on the walls and windows inside and around the house. At the meeting that was held by Weld County Zoning and Planning, it Was mentioned more than once.,that this special permit--allowing the Podtburgs to go to 2,000 head--a 20 percent increase--will place more regulations on the dairy and subsequently on the fly, waste removal,the impact to the environment and air quality--and that we in Northmoor will reap benefits from these regulations. Well. I'm here to say that...Northmoor will only benefit if the regulations are followed. And, no one will know if the regulations are adhered to unless the Weld County Health Department is able to provide adequate supervision. No disrespect is intended when I say this--but I am very aware that the department already has plenty of work on its plate and probably cannot and will not make this dairy's expansion regulations a priority without direction. And, what motivation do the Podtburgs have to follow the regulations if no one is closely monitoring their operation? Fines are not enough of a motivator. Someone's word and intent is not enough--there is too much at risk here--to the land, the environment and the quality of life for Northmoor residents--not to mention the time and money invested for the future by Northmoor families. Its the unknown and what is not being said her today that contributes to fear of the approval of this special permit. I think that it is important for you to know that prior to the Planning and Zoning meeting on March 7th, there was little to no time for residents of Northmoor Acres to discuss the issue among ourselves and not even time for the Board of Directors to meet to discuss this proposal. Technically,Northmoor Acres was not required to be notified of the request for this special permit. And, I don't think there is any benefit to rehashing the issue as to whether proper legal posting was done and whether it was intentional. Since the meeting on March 7th, I have had the opportunity to talk to some of my neighbors and fellow Board Members. And, if, after hearing all that is said here this morning,you are still consider granting this special permit request, I would ask you to consider the following proposal. Would you consider granting this special permit request on a temporary basis? Perhaps 18 months--through two full summers--AND require the Health Department make a least monthly, unannounced visits, and provide written reports. This 18 month period will provide the Podtburgs the opportunity to"work out the kinks"--a trial period if you will--to provide Northmoor residents the assurance it deserves to be sure that the regulations are being followed. Before a permanent permit is granted, require a formal public review by Weld County Zoning and Planning to determine whether the dairy is"working"as it should be--meeting the regulations and not impacting our environment and community irreversibly. In closing, I'd like to acknowledge that yes, we do live in an agricultural county and yes,there are many benefits from living where we do. But, we should not lose sight of the fact that our county is growing and becoming more populated, especially along the I-25 corridor. Your decision today will affect the area for miles around and for years to come. Lets be cautious about a situation that may have require"fixing" down the road--nobody wins in this kind of situation, and these situations only require more time,effort and money in the long run. Lets move slowly forward, together, in a fair and regulatory fashion and make our investments in our homes and our futures as much a priority as the Podtburgs. Respectfully, Joanne Stroud 20337 Northmoor Drive, Johnstown, CO 80534 �A. -a. IP07 tom -, ?2ve1 fra22fYQJ Syr s/11 i 712 s '_71-O/ -19 la') ?Si c>, 4).. rot --a z / 5 ?vi r?? ii /_, i ‘-yn r,‘,....) .55? ?/ YJ�' -a?A n// -772,i_ IQ s ?,/ 4 _77,2 _745 /2,1y jot )9 p -T ' S yo2 a-,/, <1° S#6 /5 / n.'/o f c> ___( ,762.2 _77/o�� / sip w 17,:yry 7 ? 7 , - yr® S b ✓lli 'V / C, a14A Sl 1 a 2 - if ayi o2 A? 07 p m -il,ggi )9011 L o -a .2 v /y ) }so �� 1l ry PO � _.r,, ?J Rid }g/00 i�. il 9d Sm© Ri 0YU f ° cal ii0-7/2):?/0-p -Dr, Pad/ , ) ) -yd- 6 II_L 01- NifliSilb v - -v e %' rig, � Sy// �LV - -„),141/ (4a•/ Wv I -v, o 5, m � X77 (ca pa 7-it ,,,r-.407 ay7t. 40, Itiyc/ 1 �ingclo) -nap 9'1 /V °QS 31-,/c4 'J iA.CJ' 't'i ` J -7' clop ,J oaf iJ' T. / �Cti a �' oy, —d)Y0) � 3'j til/ g),,i-j(fl7` ;5i, '� j),'d ( h -6) Q .S ' l rYd 9/55v00 - j? 13101`� O OD7z- - of -fr 7 b"1/ 04/ B/592 l-,17 2 Zr -?*_._;/ AS 7'1 2,49A -7-fli/r) vyjps Mow cy7 fl?JJv≤ 71O -I/ O ° )1 )90' nit* 5 --�,r��i �✓� /127 f fig '?4 ,9, , 27iP 11 y rrir or / d-r(iLy '0/ /e) 2b 1 a✓d i S( 50/)V QQNYI2aV -V jh/ diy Thic coni-69 # a-i7 j. 0 syrvi r 7 • S ,l_ ,/ .v ---a,5a, 9, \c'ao oy C d' '1 (N / s 11/75 yo/� r� Y� we SS 10,4'62,2 �b ? v� l/ b cpv/`J '' CAROL Harding - Dai ex ansion Page 1 1 VIED °GUI;T1 From: <Ed1d8rrr@aol.corn> To: <charding@co.weld.co.us> Date: 4/19/00 1:21AM 2g,B pug 19 M,Pi 8: 23 Subject: Dairy expansion Re. Docket#: 2000-16 RECk,EI l'ED F'odtburg Dairy Dear Sirs, I am opposed to any expansion of capacity of the dairy in question. I originally purchased property in Northmoor Acres Subdivision in 1985, and subsequently, in 1994 constructed a home. There was no dairy in place then, or at least if it were the effects of it were minimal. It seems every passing year the flies and odors become more oppressive. Now the dairy is spraying fluids on property just to the North of my property, I do not know what they are or shall become in the future. If these fluids are waste byproducts, what do they contain, air borne pathogens such as coli bacteria, tell me I do not know? I have a considerable investment in this home and do not want it endangered by someone else's avarice, to cost us collectively millions so that another can make thousands on increased milk production seems wrong. Do not get me wrong, I am all in favor of a persons right to do what he feels fit with his property so long as he was there first with an operation, but I do not believe that is the case here. Sincerely, Edwin W. DeFeyter 20678 Cholla Ct. Northmoor Acres Johnstown, CO 80534 i J" Hello