City to work with Aluminum Castings to cut emissions

Mayor Sal Garza and Aluminum Castings President Bret Markum agreed Monday to work together to reduce emissions that will stem from an increase in the company’s manufacturing output.

The City Council approved an ordinance Monday that would rezone the company’s property to allow for heavy industrial work as the company plans to expand its facilities and production at 340 S. Kellogg St. Some council members and citizens said allowing for an increase in manufacturing could potentially harm children who frequent day care centers near the company, and that smells emanating from the manufacturer could deter people from patronizing downtown businesses, located just blocks away from Aluminum Castings.

The council approved the ordinance by a vote of 5-2; Garza then cast a vote “reflecting the majority,” which brought the official tally to 6-2. Peter Schwartzman, Ward 5, and Corine Anderson, Ward 4, voted against the ordinance.

Garza said he abstains from the initial vote whenever he believes it will be a close vote, because his vote does not carry the same weight as the aldermen’s. But Garza said he can cast a vote and break a tie if a council member is absent from a meeting.

Most of the public debate regarding Aluminum Castings raised concerns over the amount of pollution an increase in manufacturing would produce. But the ordinance only addressed whether the company could expand its manufacturing into a recently purchased warehouse. Garza said the company could legally double production, and thus emissions, in its existing plant without seeking council approval.

Though the ordinance only addressed rezoning, Garza said it is the city’s duty to make sure pollution is kept at a minimum.

“Aluminum Castings could double their production, and double their emissions, and we couldn’t have addressed that,” Garza said. “Whether they were founded or not, I was concerned with the emissions. We never want to undermine our citizen’s health.”

There was a lack of consensus regarding the exact amount of pollution — and the exact extent to which it is harmful — at Monday’s council meeting. Schwartzman described a lack of information regarding the pollutants and the company’s emissions history, while community members said any trace of harmful pollutants near the downtown area is already too much.

Garza said he wants to be “aggressive” in tackling the emissions issue, and said that he hopes to make strides in the next few months, before Aluminum Castings ramps up production.

Garza said one project that would help reduce pollutants is to improve the company’s air filtration system. He told Markum that he understands there are costs to further capping emissions, and the city would help finance the efforts.

Markum agreed to Garza’s plans Monday, but was not available for further comment Tuesday.

Despite a public debate that was tense and at times accusatory, Garza and other council members said the conversation was productive and instrumental in a working democracy.

“I think the discussion was good,” Garza said. “It’s always good to answer questions and even better to get results.”