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HomeMy Public PortalAbout08-12-2008, HC PUD Amend onlyCITY 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. 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 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. 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. Letter by Elizabeth Sedgwick was read into the record (attached). Letters from Greenwood Stables @ 2260 Fox Street, Robert B. Laurent @ 2265 Pioneer Trail, James Sargent Lane @ 2605 Hamel Road, and Ken Bechler & Elizabeth Sedgwick @ 4182 Arrowhead Drive accepted into the public record (attached). Public Hearing closed at 7:46 p.m. Carl Michaud (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. Michaud 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. Michaud 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. 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 be all 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.