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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,July 15,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> one wind turbine system that is not functional at the moment and the City has been attempting to have it <br /> removed for the last two years. <br /> The draft ordinance text is formatted to include a purpose statement, definitions, and then examples of <br /> standards for the various types of alternative energy systems to be allowed. The definitions section <br /> includes terminology for systems that likely will be allowed as well as those that perhaps will ultimately <br /> not be allowed as a result of Planning Commission and Council review. Identifying by definition the <br /> entire range of existing alternative energy systems is necessary to ensure clarify. <br /> Gaffron state solar and geothermal systems are of primary concern in the attached draft ordinance because <br /> these systems are common in Orono. The draft text draws from a number of different cities' codes, some <br /> of which are nearly identical. Attached for reference are various other cities' ordinances as well as model <br /> ordinances from a variety of sources. <br /> Lemke asked if there is any industrial use of wood boilers. <br /> Gaffron indicated he is not aware of any. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission should review and <br /> consider whether the listed goals for alternative energy systems are appropriate and suggest any changes. <br /> The Planning Commission should then review the draft ordinance text and consider whether it addresses <br /> all issues and concerns and whether the methods or standards suggested are appropriate. Gaffron noted <br /> the draft text presented here should be considered as a working document in progress rather than as being <br /> in final form. <br /> This amendment has been published for a public hearing in the local newspaper. The Planning <br /> Commission should hold a public hearing and, if possible,provide comments and recommendations <br /> regarding the ordinance draft. The Planning Commission may choose to table for additional <br /> consideration or forward to Council with recommendations. Gaffron stated given the limited notice that <br /> has been given to the general public,he would recommend tabling the amendment and reviewing it at a <br /> work session. <br /> McGrann asked if there are any existing applications pending regarding any of these systems. <br /> Gaffron indicated he is not aware of any. Gaffron stated even though the City's Code does not address it, <br /> the City has allowed geothermal and solar panels on the structure. The City has not in the past,but <br /> probably will start requiring in the future,permits for structure-mounted solar panels. <br /> Schoenzeit noted the state has a permitting process for vertical wells. <br /> Thiesse asked why the City would ever allow an open loop system. <br /> Gaffron stated he doubts the City ever would but that he would rather define them and then say they are <br /> not allowed. <br /> Thiesse asked whether a generator would be considered an alternative energy system. <br /> Gaffron indicated he has not seen generators listed in other cities' codes as an alternative energy system. <br /> Thiesse asked if the City allows them. <br /> Page 20 of 23 <br />