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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Monday,October 21,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> ROLL CALL <br /> The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br /> Chair Denise Leskinen, Commissioners Kevin Landgraver,Bruce Lemke, Christopher McGrann, Loren <br /> Schoenzeit,Jon Schwingler, and John Thiesse. Representing Staff were Assistant City Administrator of <br /> Long-Term Strategic Planning Michael Gaffron,Planning Coordinator Melanie Curtis, and Recorder <br /> Jackie Young. Council Member Aaron Printup was present. <br /> Chair Leskinen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> CONSENT AGENDA <br /> Lemke moved,Landgraver seconded,to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. VOTE: <br /> Ayes 7, Nays 0. <br /> *1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16,2013 <br /> Lemke moved,Landgraver seconded,to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission <br /> meeting of September 16,2013,as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7,Nays 0. <br /> OLD BUSINESS <br /> 2. #13-3616 CITY OF ORONO,AMENDMENT OF ZONING CODE CHAPTER 78 <br /> ADD SECTION 78-1379,ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS <br /> Gaffron noted the Planning Commission over the past spring and summer has been reviewing an <br /> amendment to the zoning code regarding alternative energy systems. The Planning Commission has met <br /> in July,August, September and also October 2 to discuss various elements of an alternate energy systems <br /> ordinance, including solar energy systems, ground source heat pump systems,hydronic furnaces such as <br /> wood-fired boilers, and wind energy conversion systems. <br /> At the October 4 work session,the Planning Commission arrived at some conclusions to help guide the <br /> discussion at the November work session, and it is Staff's goal to complete the review at the November 6 <br /> work session so that a recommendation can be made to the City Council at the regular Planning <br /> Commission meeting scheduled for November 18. <br /> Gaffron indicated the key points arrived at by the Planning Commission regarding wind energy <br /> conversion systems would be to limit those systems to large lots, at least 10 acres in area; to require <br /> substantial setbacks for those systems from property boundaries,while at the same time needing to be <br /> located relatively the principal residence they would serve; and that the height, flicker, and noise are <br /> aspects that need special attention to limit impacts. In addition,the systems would need to be in place and <br /> functional or dismantled and removed. <br /> Gaffron noted the Planning Commission does not need to formally make a recommendation on the draft <br /> ordinance tonight. <br /> Leskinen asked if the application has been noted for a public hearing tonight. <br /> Page 1 of 42 <br />