As a concerned resident of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, I am deeply troubled by the proposed rezoning that would allow the establishment of a methanol facility in our residential neighborhood. This petition aims to protect the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of our community as outlined in the City of Inver Grove Heights' Title 10 Zoning Regulations.

I am respectfully requesting the IGH City Council deny the Bulk Fluid Systems application (case number: 23-29S).  Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's website, Bulk Fluid Systems LLC has safety violations significantly higher than the national average (https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/SMS/Carrier/2837102/BASIC/UnsafeDriving.aspx and has a pending insurance cancellation at their current site (go to this link, then enter US DOT: 2837102 - https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_getdetail

Living in this close-knit neighborhood has been a privilege for me and my family. We have always felt safe and secure within our community. However, the potential risks associated with housing large quantities (40,000 gallons) of highly-flammable methanol right next to our homes are simply unacceptable.

Methanol is known for its flammability and poses significant dangers if mishandled or involved in an accident. The proximity of such a hazardous substance to residential areas puts not only Inver Grove Heights residents at risk but also those living in neighboring Eagan.

Therefore, we respectfully request that City officials reconsider this proposal and prioritize the safety and well-being of their constituents. We urge the City of Inver Grove Heights to uphold the purpose of Title 10 Zoning Regulations and prevent the establishment of a methanol facility in our residential neighborhood.

Together, let us protect our community and ensure that our homes remain safe havens for ourselves, our families, and future generations.  

Sincerely,
Marta Haynes

Next steps: 

1 - Register HERE to receive City Council meeting agenda updates - per notification from Stacy Bodsberg, IGH Community Development Support Specialist - the earliest this item will appear on the City Council agenda is September 25.

2 - Let the IGH Mayor and City Council know you care!  Copy/paste/personalize the below email and send to the contacts listed below:

Mayor Brenda Dietrich
Voicemail: 651-450-2503
Email: bdietrich@ighmn.gov

Sue Gliva
Voicemail: 651-450-2506
Email: sgliva@ighmn.gov

John Murphy
Voicemail: 651-450-2507
Email: jmurphy@ighmn.gov

Tony Scales
Voicemail: 651-450-2504
Email: tscales@ighmn.gov

Mary T'Kach
Voicemail: 651-450-2505
Email: mtkach@ighmn.gov
 

Draft email from IGH residents:

Dear Mayor Deitrich/Councilman/Councilwoman XXXXX:

As a concerned resident of IGH, I am politely requesting you to reject the Bulk Fluid Systems proposal (Case number 23-29s).  As per the IGH Zoning Regulation Title 10, the stated purpose 10.1.2 is to “protect[ing] the public health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience and general welfare” of IGH residents.  Why did the IGH Planning Commission recommend Case Number 23-29S when they have a track record of safety violations and are pending a cancellation of their insurance at their current site?  

The rezoning requirements add considerable health and environmental risk to my neighborhood in the case of an accident or natural disaster.  We do not want a High Hazard (H-3 Occupancy) building in our neighborhood.  The applicant, Bulk Fluid Systems, has not adequately presented an emergency response plan that meets EPA, NOAA and US Department of Transportation Standards, should an accident occur and an evacuation is required.

We fully support the modernization of IGH and want to welcome small, family-owned businesses to our community, but not at the risk of our residents.

Thank you for your consideration to this matter.

SIGN YOUR NAME