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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING <br />Monday, July 15, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 20 of 23  <br />  <br />one wind turbine system that is not functional at the moment and the City has been attempting to have it <br />removed for the last two years. <br /> <br />The draft ordinance text is formatted to include a purpose statement, definitions, and then examples of <br />standards for the various types of alternative energy systems to be allowed. The definitions section <br />includes terminology for systems that likely will be allowed as well as those that perhaps will ultimately <br />not be allowed as a result of Planning Commission and Council review. Identifying by definition the <br />entire range of existing alternative energy systems is necessary to ensure clarify. <br /> <br />Gaffron state solar and geothermal systems are of primary concern in the attached draft ordinance because <br />these systems are common in Orono. The draft text draws from a number of different cities’ codes, some <br />of which are nearly identical. Attached for reference are various other cities’ ordinances as well as model <br />ordinances from a variety of sources. <br /> <br />Lemke asked if there is any industrial use of wood boilers. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated he is not aware of any. Gaffron stated the Planning Commission should review and <br />consider whether the listed goals for alternative energy systems are appropriate and suggest any changes. <br />The Planning Commission should then review the draft ordinance text and consider whether it addresses <br />all issues and concerns and whether the methods or standards suggested are appropriate. Gaffron noted <br />the draft text presented here should be considered as a working document in progress rather than as being <br />in final form. <br /> <br />This amendment has been published for a public hearing in the local newspaper. The Planning <br />Commission should hold a public hearing and, if possible, provide comments and recommendations <br />regarding the ordinance draft. The Planning Commission may choose to table for additional <br />consideration or forward to Council with recommendations. Gaffron stated given the limited notice that <br />has been given to the general public, he would recommend tabling the amendment and reviewing it at a <br />work session. <br /> <br />McGrann asked if there are any existing applications pending regarding any of these systems. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated he is not aware of any. Gaffron stated even though the City’s Code does not address it, <br />the City has allowed geothermal and solar panels on the structure. The City has not in the past, but <br />probably will start requiring in the future, permits for structure-mounted solar panels. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit noted the state has a permitting process for vertical wells. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked why the City would ever allow an open loop system. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated he doubts the City ever would but that he would rather define them and then say they are <br />not allowed. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked whether a generator would be considered an alternative energy system. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated he has not seen generators listed in other cities’ codes as an alternative energy system. <br /> <br />Thiesse asked if the City allows them. <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 08/19/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 07/15/2013