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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 21 of 23  <br />  <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated there are a number of them in the City and that they would be considered more a <br />mechanical piece of equipment than an alternative energy system. Gaffron stated in his view it would not <br />be appropriate to address them in this section. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated it is her recollection that generators were included in the accessory uses ordinance and are <br />required to meet a setback. <br /> <br />Landgraver commented he would like to take the time to review it more thoroughly and discuss it at a <br />work session. Landgraver stated he would also like the public to be given additional notice. <br /> <br />Leskinen asked if any of the alternative energy systems with the exception of the wind turbine have <br />generated any complaints or static to the City. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated he does not recall anyone complaining about solar panels or geothermal but that the City <br />has received some complaints regarding a wood kiln. Gaffron indicated it would be difficult to stop all <br />wood burning appliances since people might have outdoor fire pits and/or chimneys. <br /> <br />Landgraver stated his recollection is that kilns were included as an approved accessory structure. <br />Landgraver stated he would also like to think about the process utilized in the geothermal system. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit noted there are strict standards for the piping and other components of the geothermal system. <br /> <br />McGrann asked if the state monitors those systems or if it is just a one-time permit review. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated that is a great question. Schoenzeit stated based on his review of the solar section, he <br />would suggest some consideration perhaps be given on whether to sort it by the size of the system or <br />based on kilowatts and how it is installed. <br /> <br />Schoenzeit stated one of the questions he had relating to rooftop solar panels was whether that would be <br />something where a person would be allowed to exceed the City’s height restrictions. Schoenzeit stated <br />there could be a situation where a person had a previously compliant roof but then wanted to add a city- <br />approved mounting method which increased the height from 30 to 33 feet. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated that is something that will need to be addressed. <br /> <br />Landgraver commented the lakeshore lots would likely be the lots that would have the most consistent <br />wind and that he would prefer to thoroughly review the draft amendment before making any decisions. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated the mayor had suggested looking at the section of the City’s ordinance dealing with <br />antennas as it relates to wind turbines since there may be some language contained in there that deals with <br />screening of towering structures. <br /> <br />Leskinen stated issues with abandonment of alternative energy systems should also be addressed since <br />there could be issues with that at some point in the future. <br /> <br />Gaffron stated the draft amendment does contain language relating to abandonment of solar panels. Page <br />8 says, “If the solar energy system remains nonfunctional or inoperative for a continuous period of one <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 08/19/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 07/15/2013