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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, February 11, 2019 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 7 of 11 <br /> <br />The City Council took no formal action on this item. <br /> <br />13. LA18-000103 - ISAAC LINDSTROM, ALL ENERGY SOLAR ON BEHALF OF <br /> WILLIAM AND ELEANOR FERRIL, 240 WAKEFIELD ROAD – RESOLUTION <br /> <br />Isaac Lindstrom, All Energy Solar, and Eleanor Ferril, Property Owner, were present. <br /> <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 /> <br />The Planning Commission voted 5-0 on a motion recommending approval of the requested variance. <br /> <br />Eleanor Ferril, property owner, stated her purpose tonight is to seek the Council’s approval to construct <br />ground mounted solar panels on their property. <br /> <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 project 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 /> <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 /> <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 /> <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 /> <br />Ferril noted Staff has recommended that the corner in that area be verified on the survey, which they are <br />fine with. <br /> <br />Crosby asked how high up it would be if they are placed on pedestals.