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MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br /> Monday,November 18,2013 <br /> 6:30 o'clock p.m. <br /> There were no public comments regarding this application. <br /> Chair Leskinen closed the public hearing at 9:35 p.m. <br /> Landgraver stated he prefers Option 2B and that in his view the City should not exclude wind technology. <br /> Landgraver stated restricting it to a few situations allows it but only in a small area of the City,which is <br /> probably the recommendation that should be made to the City Council. <br /> Thiesse asked how many properties would be allowed in the City. <br /> Gaffron noted the property needs to be a minimum of 10 acres and that he would guess that would apply <br /> to less than 100 and perhaps only as many as ten. <br /> Landgraver stated what the Planning Commission is doing is setting a framework for alternative energy <br /> systems for a few selected properties and that other property owners can come in and request a variance. <br /> Schwingler commented technology will also likely be changing. <br /> Landgraver stated he has not heard anyone say there is a demand for hydronic furnaces and that he is not <br /> sure whether the Planning Commission should allow them. <br /> Gaffron stated the City cannot grant a variance for something that is prohibited. <br /> Landgraver asked if Staff is aware of anyone who wanted a hydronic furnace. <br /> Gaffron indicated he is not and that a number of cities have prohibited hydronic furnaces. <br /> Leskinen commented the Planning Commission has discussed hydronic furnaces a number of months ago <br /> and that it is her recollection the Planning Commission had concluded they should be banned. <br /> Gaffron stated part of the issue is that the industry is not sure how to measure those standards or which <br /> standards should apply. Gaffron stated if someone comes in and indicates they would like to have one, <br /> they can ask for a code change. <br /> Leskinen stated that would be the path of least resistance and that the safest path is to prohibit them. <br /> Leskinen stated if something changes down the road, it can be addressed at that time. <br /> Landgraver stated he is okay with prohibiting the hydronic furnaces and setting the framework for <br /> allowing the wind energy. <br /> Leskinen stated as it relates to wind energy, she would prefer Option 2B. Leskinen noted the <br /> Woodbury/St. Paul language was more geared towards residential use than commercial use. <br /> Thiesse stated he does not like prohibiting something and that he is not aware of anyone with hydronic <br /> heating or anyone who is interested in it. <br /> Schwingler commented they can come in and ask for a code change. <br /> Page 32 of 35 <br />