HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-12-2008Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
CITY OF MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
1. Call to Order: Chair Jeff Pederson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Planning Commissioners Jeff Pederson, Simons, Victoria Reid and Robin Reid, Nolan.
Absent: Litts and Verbick absent
Also Present: Planning Director Tim Benetti and Associate Planner Dusty Finke.
2. Public Comments on Items not on the Agenda
No public comments.
3. Update from City Council Proceedings
Weir updated the Commission regarding the following:
• Farmers Market
• Uptown Hamel
• Water/Sewer agreement with Corcoran
• Special Event permit ordinance
• Affordable Housing policy — largely incentive -based
• Rural Residential
• Luetmer/Druk rearrangement
4. Planning Department Report
Benetti updated the Commission on new applications that will be coming up in future months.
5. Approval of July 8, 2008 Planning Commission Minutes
Motion by Simons, seconded by V. Reid to approve the July 8th, 2008 minutes with changes as
noted. Motion carried unanimously (Absent: Verbick and Litts).
6. Hennepin County Public Works Facility -1600 Prairie Drive (PID 10-118-23-12-0003
and 10-118-23-11-0004) — Amendment to Planned Unit Development General Plan (No.
A16846) for the construction of a Wind Turbine tower and Civil Defense Siren tower
(Public Hearing Closed).
Benetti presented the staff report. He stated that Hennepin County had invited
Commissioners, Council members, staff, and any interested city residents to a tour to
Northfield to visit wind turbine locations in person. He described the site location. He stated
that the maximum distance to the tip of the blade would be 389 feet (1.5 MW) or 407 feet
(2.1 MW). The turbines would meet PCA nighttime noise standards at 623 feet (1.5) or 850
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
feet (2.1). The site plan identified a 400 foot setback. If a 407 foot in height tower were
proposed, the setback would have to be increased to minimum of a 407 foot setback. He
stated that the Wind Analysis information which was originally in the PC packet had been
requested back by Hennepin County because some of the information should not have been
made public. Hennepin County has since provided a condensed version of the executive
summary, which may be made public and has been placed in the packet.
Benetti described regulations existing in the zoning ordinance which regulate smaller wind
turbines. He described different state regulations related to wind turbines. Benetti played
video recordings of the turbines at Northfield for those unable to attend the tour.
Public Hearing opened at 7:28 p.m.
Randy Hogan (owner of 1982 Hamel Road) stated that he is speaking on behalf of Sara
Hogan, owner of Greenwood Stables LLC. He had previously been in management with a
power company. He stated that when they were considering purchasing the property they
saw the large existing telecommunication tower, but they decided they could put up with the
view of the tower. More than the height, turbine noise was a concern. Typical "rural sound"
density is 20-30 dBa. The turbine would increase local decibel levels by 5 to 10 dBa. He
stated that when the wind is coming from the northwest, which is quite often, the sound from
the turbine would be greatest directly over their new barn. Horses are more sensitive to the
noises, and this will have a large impact on their new private horse barn. In addition to the
sound which can be heard, every structure has a resonate frequency. The turbine might share
the resonate frequency with their new barn, which would have a tremendous impact on the
horses. He stated that the wetland setbacks should be a higher standard for other
governmental agencies. He concluded that there is no public benefit, and Hennepin County
should not be in the business of power production, which is not a purpose of its charter.
Wind energy is a great thing and we should support it, but this is not the place for it, and
those who have to live near the towers should benefit from it. He also stated that he is
concerned that this will set a precedent, because you shouldn't allow one group to do
something and not allow others. Owners up and down Highway 55 might then wish to
construct a turbine.
Jean Corwin (owner of 1975 Hamel Road) stated that the Hennepin County property was
taken from them by eminent domain in the first place. She stated that while there currently
are no buildings on their property, the proposal will significantly diminish property values
when they wish to sell. The tower may make it so there are never buildings on the property.
She stated they had traveled to Elk River to witness a turbine and had heard a constant
whirring or whooshing sound. She stated that it would be very difficult if she was forced to
listen to that rhythm constantly. She felt there is no gain for the City of Medina and noted
that there are no houses or farm animals near the turbine in Elk River.
Leslie Borg stated that she has been a resident for 33 years and is opposed to the application.
It would hurt property values and the rural Medina would be gone.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Bert Gardner (2495 Willow Drive) stated that bad decisions made for good reasons can still
have a tremendously negative impact. He stated that he pictured sandhill cranes being sliced
and diced by this 400 foot veg-a-matic.
Letters from Greenwood Stables @ 2260 Fox Street, Robert B. Laurent @ 2265 Pioneer
Trail, James Sargent Lane @ 2605 Hamel Road, Ken Bechler & Elizabeth Sedgwick @ 4182
Arrowhead Drive, and Eric & Jill Voltin @ 630 Shawnee Woods Road were accepted into
the public record (attached).
Public Hearing closed at 7:46 p.m.
Karl Masaad (Director of Environmental Services, Hennepin County) stated that the County
Board is looking at various ways to help with energy cost. In addition to energy reduction
and conservation, they are also looking at ways of productions. He stated that the County
would be very interested in the studies about noise impacts, to see what types of turbines
were studied and what could be implemented to minimize this concern. With regards to the
concerns, there are studies being finalized on the impact on bird mortality in Northfield,
which have not showed significant increases.
Nolan inquired about the County's solar panel project.
Masaad stated that the County had accepted bids and construction was to begin shortly. This
would produce about 1/10 of the potential energy of a wind turbine.
Nolan inquired if the County had considered smaller turbines.
Masaad stated that they had tried to size the turbine to produce enough energy for the Public
Works facility. There are also economies of scale which point towards larger turbines.
Simons inquired how the wind output/efficiency compares to southwest Minnesota.
Tony Hainault (Hennepin County) stated that a capacity factor above 37 is considered
excellent, and the report describes a 41 capacity. Depending on the area of southwest
Minnesota, it can be lower than this or considerably higher.
R. Reid inquired about lighting of the tower.
Roy Earl (Hennepin County) stated that there is a solid light on the hub, similar to that on the
top of the radio tower.
Simons asked how far from the southern property line Option 2 was located. Benetti stated
that it is approximately 1250 feet.
R. Reid stated that she wished there was unbiased information about the noise.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
V. Reid stated that she had attended the tour. She stated the road noise was significantly louder
than the turbine.
Pederson stated that it is commendable that Hennepin County is looking at ways to approach
their energy. Renewable energy is important. It is his job as a Planning Commissioner to listen
to the citizens. He stated that it makes sense at Buffalo Ridge, but that he could not support it in
Medina. He stated that he is here for the residents and they appear to all be opposed to the
application. He stated we need alternative energy, but not in the middle of the City.
Simons stated that he appreciates the comments. He stated that a 40-story building does not
protect the citizenry. He stated that he does not know how this helps the City. Distance from
current buildings is irrelevant, distance to the nearest building pads is more important.
Nolan stated that he also agrees with most of what has been said. We all have an inherent need
to look at alternative energies and to take our share of burden. He stated that he is extremely
surprised that the County facility uses the same energy as 500 homes. Solar panels would have
much less of an impact. Wind turbines make more sense in clusters, which may lead others in
the area to request them. If everyone moved to them, it would be a disaster. He stated that it
seems like a way to meet shrinking budgets in the future, which shouldn't be the main concern.
V. Reid stated that while she is a Planning Commissioner, she is also a citizen of Hennepin
County, Minnesota, and the United States. She feels we need alternative energies and that she
lives relatively close to this location and would drive by it four times every day. She stated that
it appeared that the will of the Commission is to recommend against the application proposed.
R. Reid stated that this is a great idea and something we should be doing, but not in this location.
She felt we have to represent the neighbors, who appear to be unanimously opposed.
Neighboring homeowners have legitimate concern. She stated that she is less concerned with the
noise. This will set a precedent. The wind turbine does not need to be in this location in order to
achieve the goals. The turbine can go anywhere and sell to the grid and have the same effect.
She stated that she wished she could get behind it, but she can't.
Motion by Simons, seconded by Nolan to recommend denial of the General Plan for the Planned
Unit Development Amendment based on the findings described by the Commission (Absent:
Verbick and Litts).
7. Baker Golf and Ski Chalet — 2935 Park View Drive (PID 17-118-29-11-0003) — Conditional
Use Permit Amendment for construction of two 22' x 80' (1760 square feet each) accessory
structures for the storage of electric golf carts in the Public/Semi-Public zoning district.
Finke presented the application, explaining that the request is to construct two accessory
buildings for the storage of electric golf carts. The location of the accessory structures are within
the "Baker Park Reserve Composite Master Plan" which dictates the area that may developed.
He further noted that staff recommended the applicant add any future projects for this area to be
included as part of the application. A restroom addition and locker rooms were discussed as a
future project but plans had not been developed. Planning staff recommended that the applicant
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
request the restroom and locker room expansion be part of the application, as long as the
expansions fell under 5% of the buildings square footage.
Finke further explained to the Commission that he had consolidated all resolutions with their
conditions.
Doug Berens (Three Rivers Park District) informed the Commission that the Park District had in
previous years discussed construction of storage buildings for the golf carts. He said keeping the
carts out of the elements and to prevent vandalism is important. They also wanted to go with
electric golf carts since they are more environmentally friendly.
Pederson asked Berens if he knew why the number of staff had increased at the golf course.
Berens indicated that they tend to do more labor intensive work such as hand mowing the greens
instead of using larger mowers that they don't spray, which increases the amount of labor needed
during the summer months. Nolan clarified that the increase in labor was not geared towards
food and beverage or clubhouse activities. Berens stated that 75% of the staff was for
maintenance of the golf course.
Public hearing opened at 8:35 p.m.
Weir informed the Commission that the Council is encouraging rain gardens whenever accessory
structures are proposed. She asked the Commission if they would consider this as a condition.
Pederson stated that it was a good idea and that the Commission would discuss it. He further
asked the applicant if they had considered the installation of a rain garden. Berens said he was
not sure, but would check with their water resources manager.
Pederson asked if the applicant was adding more hard coverage with the project. Berens
indicated that it was not much more since the current parking location is considered a hard
surfaced area. He further felt that the existing conditions could handle the run-off. Finke stated
that staff had discussed the stormwater treatment with the applicant and found that the existing
stormwater pond provides adequate infiltration. He also noted that runoff runs overland for over
1000 feet, which provides some additional opportunity for infiltration, even if it is over turf.
Public Hearing closed at 8:38 p.m.
R. Reid does not have any issues with the application. She also does not have an issue with
controlling the number of employees. She said the application doesn't appear to be a major
change from the existing CUP and felt that the use of electric golf carts was good.
V. Reid agreed with R. Reid and felt that allowing expansions up to 5 % was a good idea to
streamline projects.
Pederson felt the condition of the number of employees should remain as a condition since we do
control other businesses and the number of employees. Benetti informed the Commission that he
spoke with the City Attorney and that the City shouldn't regulate the number of employees
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
unless it is specifically stated in the zoning ordinance. The Commission concluded that it was a
good idea to exclude the condition referencing the number of employees.
Nolan requested staff to better clarify the language on the 5 percent expansion allowance without
a CUP Amendment.
Motion by Nolan, seconded by V. Reid to approve the CUP Amendment for the construction of
two accessory structures, subject to the recommended changes. Motion carries unanimously
(Absent: Verbick and Litts).
8. Ordinance Amendment - Chapter 8 of the City's Zoning Ordinance — Creating a Private
Recreation zoning district.
Finke presented the proposed private recreation zoning district ordinance. He indicated that the
Comprehensive Plan identifies three areas that fall under Public/ Semi -Public. During the
Comprehensive Plan process it was decided that a separate land use be utilized as Private
Recreation. Discussion of development standards was explained in depth. He stated that the
ordinance allows limited residential development where urban services are available.
Staff held a public open house for the three properties zoned Public/Semi-Public and sent a
mailing to all properties within 350 feet. He further reminded the Commission that the
discussion was a public hearing.
Nolan asked about the PUD requirement. Finke explained that the PUD would regulate all
properties within the Private Recreation zoning district. If a residential project came in, staff
would have residential standards as a guide. If a project such as a golf course addition were to be
submitted, the City would need to add additional lot standards for such uses other than
residential.
Litts asked if some of these recreational parcels became uneconomically viable, do they still
have to be used for recreational use or can they change it. Finke explained that an owner could
apply for a Comprehensive Plan amendment if they wished to change the use. Under the draft
ordinance, 15 percent of the land could be developable for residential. This could potentially add
value to property and make the broader recreational use more viable.
Finke explained that the smallest parcel in this area is 12 acres. The rural designation was made
twice the size as the RR2 requirements (commercial horse zoning district). The thought was that
the larger parcels would have open space benefits.
R. Reid asked if someone could build townhomes. Finke replied that the proposal must meet the
density required by the ordinance, which may make townhomes likely.
Pederson asked what staff wanted the Commission to look at for a developable percentage.
Finke stated that the draft ordinance allows up to 15 percent of the entire property, and that the
Commission should discuss this regulation.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Simons said that he thinks of a 40 percent hard coverage as fine if it's for horse paddocks, but
not if it is "actual" hard surfaces. Finke replied that the definition of hard coverage in the PREC
district does not specifically address paddocks.
Open Public Hearing @ 9:10 p.m.
Eric Voltin, resident at 630 Shawnee Woods Road, explained that he reviewed the proposed
ordinance. He has concern with the opportunity to allow residential density such as townhomes
at Medina Country Club. He's also concerned with County Road 116 and Foxberry Farms Road
having further traffic placed on it. He's primarily opposed to developments along Shawnee
Woods Road. He further provides his opinion on the lack of viability and rural character for
townhomes to be located on such a small road as Shawnee Woods Road.
Pederson explained to the public that allowing a percentage of residential within the private
recreation zoning district was approved through the Comprehensive Plan process.
Finke stated that the required density is discussed within the ordinance. R. Reid said she
acknowledged that trees, traffic, and wetlands would be dealt with when an application came in;
and presently the issue at hand is designing an ordinance and not an actual residential project.
Voltin concluded that the future residential projects should have similar characteristics and
density as the surrounding properties if proposed in the future.
Dave Newman of Bancor Group explained that the project presented 2 years ago was concept
only. The project they ultimately move forward with may be very different depending on the
market. He stated that with the new tree preservation and wetland ordinances in place, the site
has become extremely tight. He suggested the Commission consider allowing more of the
property for residential development so that trees and wetlands could be protected.
John, President of Medina Country Club, stated that the Club really received no financial benefit
from any residential development. He further raised concern that the club be able to replace an
existing maintenance buildings in the future at the golf course. His main concern is the language
that references development parcel by parcel. He explained that they have a number of parcels
associated with the golf course and the proposed ordinance could have impacts on the
improvements they want to make with their future maintenance barn.
Pederson asked for clarification on a future project that would be PUD rather than parcel by
parcel. Finke replied that the PUD would only be necessary for residential development. If the
Club needed to construct an addition or a new structure, the City would look at each individual
parcel. This may lead tothe need to rearrange or combine lots. If lots were combined, the Club
should have no problem meeting setbacks or hardcover requirements.
Finke read an e-mail from Steve Theesfeld, 600 Shawnee Road (attached).
Pederson explained that he is the first resident that would be impacted if a development were
proposed.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Nolan explained the Comprehensive Plan process to the public with the proposed revisions.
Simons asked about density range for private recreation. Finke stated that there was not a
specific percentage established through the Comprehensive Plan process. Simons then asked
what the lowest residential density was and Benetti stated its 2.0-3.49 units per acre.
Nolan asked about the City's discretion as it relates to PUD's with a future application. Finke
said the ordinance recommends that in order to have a PUD, a certain percentage of residential
density would be required. The intention is for the required density and the maximum
developable percentage to limit the discretion during the PUD review.
R. Reid asked what the lowest density is in the Comprehensive Plan. Finke stated that low
density residential requires 2-3.5 units/net acre. However, the City is responsible for maintaining
3-5 units/net acre across the entire City. During Comp Plan discussions, the City allowed some
areas with lower density, but this had to be "made up" by areas with some higher density.
Close Public Hearing @ 9:30 p.m.
Simons voiced concern for allowing 40 percent hard coverage. Finke explained that the majority
of the discussion was related to golf courses, but there are other different recreational uses which
may come into the City, which may require more hardcover. He also noted that one of the lots at
the Medina Country Club is approaching 40% hard cover.
Pederson asked which property has 40 percent coverage. Finke explained that the parcel on
which the clubhouse and parking lot is located is close to 40 percent hardcover.
Litts asked if we had to deal with 40 percent hard coverage since only one of the lots has that
percentage and the rest have almost no hard cover. Finke explained that reducing the hardcover
would bring this individual lot into non -conformity. He noted that combining the lots would
bring them into conformance because the larger lots include almost no hardcover.
Litts expressed concern that if the City is treating the golf course as though it has the same
ownership (which it doesn't), it could cause issues for future development.
Simons and the balance of the Commissioners agreed that the 40 percent hard coverage was not
acceptable and should be further looked at for other alternatives.
Pederson suggested that staff incorporate two sided architecture under the design standards.
Commission discussed percentage and density and the tree ordinance for developers to be able to
stick to the ordinance.
Simons favors standards that are consistent with underlying zoning ordinance.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Nolan stated that he likes the idea of giving developers flexibility, but that residential should go
with the underlying zoning. However, since the district is not consistent with medium density
residential, he would be comfortable with a required density of 3-5 units/net acre.
Motion by R. Reid, seconded by Simons to recommend approval of the ordinance with the
following recommended changes: increasing maximum developable area to 20 percent, change
density requirements to 3-5 units/net acre, adding two sided residential architecture design
standards, and directing staff to further research impervious surface and lot sizes. Motion
carries unanimously (Absent: Verbick and Litts).
9. Open Discussion Item: Mixed Use District
Finke presented the mixed use district recommendations. He informed the Commission that this
area would be along major roadways with Commercial along the actual roadway and higher
density at the rear of the commercial. He further explained the purpose of the mixed use area.
Staff recommended it to be a holding zone like the RR-UR zoning district until the MUSA is
extended and open for development. At time of development it would be rezoned to some other
designation. The mixed use zoning would stay in place until the property is developed. He
further explained the purpose of allowing market flexibility. He then raised a question to the
Commission if they would like to establish the residential and commercial standards prior to
moving forward with this ordinance, since the City may use them as a guide for this area. He
said if the Commission decides to move forward with this ordinance amendment for this area as
a holding zone, density would be a topic staff would like to discuss.
Pederson said he would prefer to have the ordinance brought back at a later date.
Simons agreed with Pederson.
Nolan was thinking that this area was going to be developed with a PUD with an overall plan.
He raised concern for the potential of inconsistency without a PUD.
R. Reid asked what the City does for areas that have commercial on a lower level and residential
above, since this is what she envisioned for this area. Finke and Commission discussed the use
of a PUD which allows for flexibility to clarify R. Reid's question.
Nolan said he would like to get feedback from others that were part of the process.
Pederson asked about the Comprehensive Plan timeline. Finke stated that it is August 20th, 2008
for comments from other communities. At that time the City will decide whether they will act on
any of the comments.
Nolan stated he would like some guidance from the City Council on some of the larger parcels
within this area prior to making decisions as it relates to the zoning district.
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Medina Planning Commission August 12, 2008 Meeting Minutes
Finke asked the Commission what they thought about greater flexibility for this zoning district.
Nolan stated that the PUD would allow for the flexibility when a project is in process.
10. Future Meeting Information: Staff informed the Commission that the next meeting
date had been changed to a Wednesday due to elections and it will be held on September
10th, 2008.
11. Adjourn: Motion by R. Reid, seconded by Nolan to adjourn at 10:29 p.m. Motion
carries unanimously. (Absent: Verbick and Litts).
10
Greenwood Stables, LLC
2260 Fox Street
Long Lake, MN 55356
August 12, 2008
Medina Planning Commission members
Medina City Council members
Re: Wind Turbine proposed by the Hennepin County b ic Works Facility
Dear Members,
I am the owner of the horse farm located at 1982 Hamel Road. I would like
to register my opposition to the construction of the proposed wind turbine
for the following reasons:
1. Height® At a height of up to 369 feet from ground level, this would be
the equivalent of a thirty story building behind my rural residential
property. I already have to look at the existing radio tower, but the
wind turbine would appear to be both taller and closer to my property.
2. Sound- At the Option 1 location, the proposed structure would be
approximately 1000 feet from my property line. At the Option 2
location, it would be about 1300 feet away. A review of studies on
the subject suggests that one can expect a 5-10 dB noise increase over
typical rural residential nighttime sound values. An increase of 5 dB
would be noticeable, but an increase of 10 dB would actually be a
doubling of the present sound values. The impact of such noise on
horses is unclear, but horses have a highly developed sense of hearing
that may be more acute than that of humans. One of the main reasons
I purchased my property was because of the large open areas for
riding. I would not want to have my ability to ride on my property
compromised due to turbine generated noise that could startle or upset
my horses and lead to accidents. The low frequency noises emitted
from the proposed wind turbine could also have a negative impact on
the horses inside our new pole barn and arena. Being downwind from
the turbine, the effects of noise are likely to be even greater.
3. No benefit- There appears to be no benefit to the surrounding property
owners or the community of Medina as a whole from the construction
of the w rbine. ased upon the formation I have receive. a
this time, the bine is intended only to be a revenue -producing
device for e epin Co
4. etland setback® eased upon the diagram provided with the notice of
public hea ° g, the proposed location of the w d bine woul
appear to violate the wetland setback require E ents. The members of
the la ing Co ission d City Co cil have =rF equently expressed
their concern for preserving and protecting the wetlands.
you for yo cons e ation of my conce
Sincerely,
Sara G. ogan
Page I of I
From: Medina |nbsnn
Sent: Tuesday, August 12,2OO81:47PW1
To: Tim Benetti
Subject: A Resident's Opposition 10the Wind Turbine
Tlm,
Mr. Robert Laurent phoned inhis opposition hothe wind turbine ifindeed |1borders wet lands eaper Planning
Commission Meeting Agenda on8/12/2OO8.
Phone Call received a11:4OonTuesday, August 11.2OO8.
RO8ERTBLAURENT
2265 PIONEER TR
HAMELMNS534O
8/12/2008
ES S GENT L • E
2605 a el oad
a, nesota 55340-9785
763/473-3302
jameslane@qwestoffice.net
August 12, 2008
Tim Benetti, Planning Director
CITY OF MEDINA
2052 County Road 24
Medina, Minnesota 55340
Re: Proposed Hennepin County wind -turbine
Dear Tim:
My wife Joan and I are strongly opposed to siting of a wind turbine on the
Hennepin County Public Works Facility in Medina. We urge that the Planning
Commission clearly and decisively recommend against the proposal. We also request
that our views be forwarded to each member of the Planning Commission prior to this
evening's public hearing and also be made a part of the hearing record.
In today's political and economic climate, it is understandable that Hennepin
County, no less than any other private or public agency or institution, is interested in
energy conservation and development of alternative energy sources. Hennepin County is
no exception and should be commended for its sensitivity and resourcefulness in seeking
improvements on both fronts. However, the County's interest in development of a single
wind turbine in the predominantly rural center of Medina does not make the proposal
sound or desirable. The proposal should be denied.
If the County has a comprehensive plan to supplement its energy sources or
reduce its energy needs for its own properties, the specifics of such a plan should be
measured against its impact in each city and each neighborhood where its properties are
located. Specific proposals should be tailored to individual sites and properties and
negative impacts carefully measured and weighed against the greater good of the
surrounding area and the entire city. The mere availability of open space in Medina does
not make a 370 ft. wind turbine a good idea.
Recently approved County plans to build an 80 kw solar panel on the main
building roof of the county facility in Medina makes much better sense and would
represent a much more desirable source of alternative energy. A large solar panel also
would be compatible with the building itself, the site, the neighborhood, and the city.
AUGUST 12. 2008
TO; MEDINA PLANNING COMISSION
JEFF PEDERSON, CHAIR
CHARLES NOLAN, VICE CHAIR
MARY VERBICK
ROBIN REID
MICHELE LITTS
VICTORIA REID
JIM SIMONS
FROM; KEN BECHLER & ELIZABETH SEDGWICK 4182 ARROWHEAD DRIVE,
MEDINA
PROPOSED WAD RBE
DEAR MEDINA PLANNING COMMISSION & ATTENDING MEDINA HOMEOWNERS,
KEN & I ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THIS EVENING PLANNING COMMISSION
MEETING, AND WE ASK THAT YOU READ AND CONSIDER OUR THOUGHTS
REGARDING THE PROPOSED WIND TURBINE.
WE ARE RESIDENTS OF MEDINA FOR THE PAST 20 YEARS. OUR HOME ON 30
ACRES IS SITUATED JUST N.E. OF STATE HWY 55 & ARROWHEAD DRIVE.
QUITE SIMPLY, WE WORK 7 DAYS AWEEK, 16-18 HR DAYS AT OUR SUCCESSFUL
LITTLE SEASONAL LANDSCAPE COMPANY. EVEN IF WE COULD ATTEND THE
MEETING, JUST THE THOUGHT OF WHAT YOU ARE PROPOSING MAKES US BOTH
TOO SAD AND SICK TO ATTEND.
WITH THE 37 STORY WINDMILL TURBINE RURAL MEDIA IS ONE.
THE EXISTING LANDSCAPE,
SES & S
SETS
RAPED AND EVISCERATED BY THIS STRUCTURE.
L FOB'' VER BE
TE SILL IS AN ARCHITECTU NIGHT A DEPLET G
ED A RESIDENCE OF PROPERTY VALUES ,AND SO UCH ORE THEN ORDS
CAN POSSIBLY DESCRIBE.
PLEASE FIND IT YOUR HEARTS TO LISTEN TO OUR CONCE
SPEAK HEAVY HEARTS,
MANY THANKS & KIND REGARDS,
E BET SEDG CK & KEN BEC ER
763-478-3993
Renewable Energy m Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 1 of 10
NATIONAL CENTER FOR POLICY ANALYSIS
HOME / DONATE / ONE LEVEL UP / ABOUT NCPA / CONTACT
Rob L# Bradley,
filling girds` The "Avian
ortality" problem
The universal rationale for this
massive public commitment to
wind power is that it is
environmentally benign. But wind
power has at least one major
environmental problem -- the
massive destruction of bird
populations -- that has begun to
draw serious concern from
mainstream environmentalists.
Wind blades have killed thousands
of birds in the United States and
abroad in the last decade,
including endangered species,
which is a federal offense subject
i
to criminal prosecution. Whle
bird kills are not considered a
problem by everyone, it is a
problem for some environmental
groups who lobbied to put the
laws on the books, made cost
assessments for dead birds and
other wildlife pursuant to the
http://www.ncpa.org/stu.dies/renew/renew2d.html 8/ 12/2008
Renewable Energy - Why Renewable Energy Is Not Cheap and Not Green Page 3 of 10
• "It now appears that windmills
are annually killing thousands
of birds worldwide
[including] ... red-tailed
hawks, American kestrels,
turkey vultures, assorted o s-
and federally protected
species like Aquila
chrysaetos, the golden eagle.
And it turns out that the Bay
Area ... is the windmill bird -
death capital of America."
• The National Audubon Society
has called for a moratorium on
new wind farms until the bird
kill problem is solved, a
position that the wind industry
opposes.
• Some of the bird kills at
Altamont Pass are a federal
crime under the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act; killing Bald Eagles
is also a crime under the Bald
Eagle Protection Act. The
United States Fish and Wildlife
Service is considering
prosecution.
• Traditional environmental
groups will not condemn wind,
which they see as "throwing
the baby out with the
bathwater." They hope that the
mortality is not too great and
that current remediation
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of the wind industry,
[environmentalists] entered
the devil's bargain that now
prevents them from fighting
the power companies.... Here
in the almost wilds of
Aitamont Pass, the
environmentalists and
Kenetech have reached the
point where solutions become
problems -- the point at which
there is blood on the
los
answer.
The avian mortality problem of
wind power is different from bird
mortality from stationary objects.
Explained one study: "Wind farms
have been documented to act as
both bait and executioner --
rodents taking shelter at the base
of turbines multiply with the
protection from raptors, while in
turn their greater numbers attract
more raptors to the farm."
"How many dead birds equal a
dead fish equals an oil spill?" Ten
thousand cumulative bird
deaths from 1,731 MW of
installed U.S. capacity is the
equivalent of 4.4 million bird
deaths across the entire capacity
of the United States electric
market (approximately 770
gigawatts). A 20 percent share of
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these facts could be ignored by
the prowind power community, the
National Audubon Society's call
for a moratorium on wind power
projects in bird -sensitive areas (a
position spearheaded by
Audubon's San Francisco chapter)
cannot. Jan Beyea, Audubon's
vice president for science policy,
explained the national chapter's
stand:
We do not want to see the
wrong types of wind turbines
built, nor do we want to see
them built in the wrong places.
That is why I, and some
Audubon chapters, have
called for a moratorium on
new wind developments in
important bird areas. This has
gotten some of our
environmental friends worried
and some in industry very
angry. The National Audubon
Society is not taking such a
strong position because of a
concern for individual bird
kills; rather, we are concerned
about possible impacts on
populations in the decades
ahead when wind turbines
may be all over the country
rYo
Beyea elsewhere expressed
specific concern about "golden
eagles in California and the
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species are protected by
Spanish and European Union
law.
The "From the Editor" section of
that same issue echoed the
concerns of Audubon, explaining
its decision to show a full -color
photograph of a bloody vulture cut
in half by a windmill blade on its
cover as follows:
The decision to print this
month's cover was not taken
lightly. It will have a significant
impact, both on the world of
wind power and elsewhere... .
There is a real problem with
bird deaths at Tarifa. It cannot
be kept quiet and it will not go
away of its own accord... .
There are parallels between
the problems of raptors in the
Altamont Pass... and the
Tarifa controversy.
19
Wind power proponents have
argued that the bird death problem
is being effectively addressed and
should not slow down the growth
of the industry. Yet the problem
has been studied since the mid
1970s and continues unabated two
120
decades later. Like the claims
that wind power will soon be
economic, such claims that (in the
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