07-09-2012 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, July 9, 2012 7:00 o'clock p.m. (BIG ISLAND PARK REPORT, Continued) Franchot thanked Gabriel Jabbour for all his hard work and the hundreds of hours he has spent improving Big Island. LMCD REPORT - ANDREW McDERMOTT, REPRESENTATIVE 1e[.ST PLANNING COMMISSION COMMENTS - JOHN THIESSE, REPRESENTATIVE Thiesse stated he had nothing to report but would be available for questions. PUBLIC COMMENTS Kahler Nygard, 1386 Rest Point Road, stated he is here as a spokesperson for the group and that they are here peacefully tonight. Nygard stated there has been a lot going on in the City and that there have been some stop work orders issued on work at his residence. Nygard stated he does not see why the stop work orders were issued and under what authority. Nygard stated he also does not understand why the wind turbine had to be removed in the first place since it was providing free energy. Nygard stated there are nuclear plants across the country, and if there was ever a problem, there would be radiation everywhere. Wind turbines do not create any radiation. Nygard stated he is not sure what jurisdiction the City has been granted to regulate wind turbines and that in his view there may be some issues with the City overstepping their authority. Laura Hedland, 1364 Wilderness Run, Eagan, stated Orono has a special spot with Big Island and that she appreciates the presentation on Big Island. Hedland stated this year was the warmest year ever in the country and that the Arctic is melting. Hedland stated it is hard to believe that we are similar to the people who left garbage on Big Island because freedom and responsibility are not easy things to own up to. Hedland indicated she knows Jay Nygard personally and that he is a hero. He has spent his own money to get wind and solar energy to his residence even though it did not make economic sense but that some things are more important than money. Jay Nygard has been a pioneer in this City but it has been a struggle. The City has spent tens of thousands of dollars fighting this. The wind turbine may have had a slight impact on the visual aspects, but the goal of wind energy and trying to find new ways of energy is commendable. Hedland encouraged the City Council to become educated on how many people are dying from climate change and the type of world we are leaving for our grandchildren. Carrie Plack, 6251 Eagle Lake Drive, Maple Grove, stated in her neighborhood they have a lot of wind and that she is personally interested in installing a wind turbine because she is interested in saving money on her electrical bill and in preparing for a power outage. Page 3 of 9