Laserfiche WebLink
MINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br /> Monday,February 11,2019 <br /> 7:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> The City Council took no formal action on this item. <br /> 13. LA18-000103-ISAAC LINDSTROM,ALL ENERGY SOLAR ON BEHALF OF <br /> WILLIAM AND ELEANOR FERRIL,240 WAKEFIELD ROAD—RESOLUTION <br /> Isaac Lindstrom,All Energy Solar, and Eleanor Fenil,Property Owner,were present. <br /> Barnhart stated the applicant is requesting a variance that would permit the placement of solar panels on a <br /> rack versus on a building. Solar arrays are a permitted improvement in all districts,provided the array is <br /> placed on a building. The proposed rack will comply with setbacks applicable to both accessory building <br /> and accessory structures. The idea is to locate it on the south portion of the property where it can be more <br /> tailor fit to the property. If the variance is denied,the property owner could erect an accessory structure <br /> in that location and place the solar panels on top of that,which would be more obtrusive. <br /> The Planning Commission voted 5-0 on a motion recommending approval of the requested variance. <br /> Eleanor Feml,property owner,stated her purpose tonight is to seek the Council's approval to construct <br /> ground mounted solar panels on their property. <br /> This property was developed after purchasing it in 1982. The goal has been to turn it into a wonderful <br /> residential site. After home construction,they obtained a copy of the original survey and a current <br /> survey. They began by ridding the property of the invasive buckthorn while protecting the birds and <br /> wildlife in the maple,basswood,oak savanna. Much help was gained from people at the University of <br /> Minnesota,Hennepin Technical,Prairie Restoration,Rainbow Tree Service,to name a few. The DNR <br /> has agreed to allow them to continue this proj ect to include the land on the north side of the Luce Line <br /> Trail along the property line with specific restrictions,one of which is working with Prairie Restoration. <br /> Suggestions for replanting this area include red cedar and prickly ash,which are good bird habitat. <br /> Annual grass would be sown the first year to prevent erosion,plus perennials like no-mow fescue or <br /> Pennsylvania sedge and various prairie perennials. <br /> Ferril stated they had looked into putting solar on their rooftop in the past but were repeatedly told that it <br /> would be either the trees or solar. This was not an option for them.The solar possibility arose when an <br /> area eroded at the southwest corner of the property in the shape of a bowl. Solar panels appeared to fit the <br /> space facing south. This area is within the required boundary setbacks. <br /> Ferril stated they do not expect to regain their total financial investment,but current financial incentives <br /> make sense for them personally as well as environmentally. <br /> Technology has brought solar to a respectable industry and they expect it will improve in the future. <br /> Ferril stated while they are not trained scientists,they do believe the science of the earth's climate and <br /> what they believe is"the sooner,the better." They would like to demonstrate to their grandchildren <br /> respect for education,the environment and community and to do the right thing when an opportunity <br /> exists. <br /> Ferril noted Staff has recommended that the corner in that area be verified on the survey,which they are <br /> fine with. <br /> Crosby asked how high up it would be if they are placed on pedestals. <br /> Page 7 of 11 <br />