03-09-2015 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday,March 9,2015 7:00 o'clock p.m. (11. #14-3700 CITY OF ORONO—AMEND ZONING CODE—AMEND SECTION 78-1379: WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS(WECS)FIRST REVIEW,continued) McMillan stated the issue with flicker depends on what the sun is doing and that she would be willing to change the setback if it is on a bigger lot. McMillan stated on smaller lots there needs to be a fairly good setback since they also generate noise in addition to flicker. McMillan stated there could also be an issue with having a mechanical structure at eye level for the neighbor when they walk out on their deck. Walsh stated on 2-acre lots,the person would still need to meet the setbacks and address the flicker. Walsh noted there are companies that do flicker or shadow reports. McMillan stated she would prefer to keep it simple and avoid requiring flicker reports. McMillan stated if there becomes a demand for wind turbines,the standards could always be looked at again. Printup indicated he does have a concern with possible flicker and that one possible solution would be requiring the blades be painted with flat black paint. Printup stated the flickering can also change with the seasons as well as the angle of the sun. Printup stated he is not sure where to stop with the idea of flickering. Walsh stated shadows from the wind turbines can also be an issue and that some cities prohibit the wind turbines from casting shadows on neighboring properties. Levang stated she would like to clean up 6(a)before the Council moves on. Levang indicated the language says on lots at least ten acres in gross acre. Levang stated if gross area is allowed,the number of the parcels that are yellow or cream colored that are depicted on the map would increase. Gaffron stated there are probably more 10-acre properties than what is depicted on the map. Levang stated in her view the 10-acre requirement is satisfactory and that she does not want to see a reduction in the 10-acre requirement at this time. Levang noted the Council could look at possibly reducing it in the future if there is a big demand for wind turbines. Levang stated the City does have a lot of wetlands,which reduces the area that the wind turbine can be located in. In addition,the person would need to meet the setbacks. Levang stated when you look at how many homes in the city are clustered close together, it is because of wetlands. Levang stated her house sits on 8.85 acres and that she can clearly see into her neighbor's yard,who has 12 acres, as well as her other neighbor's house,who has 27 acres,and it is because the homes are clustered on the dry land. McMillan stated wetlands are always bowl-shaped with no trees around. McMillan stated some of the 10-acre lots on Watertown are narrow. Walsh stated someone is not allowed to build on a wetland. McMillan stated wetlands create views and vistas and the ability to see long distances. Page 24 of 43