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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY PLANNING COMMISSION <br />Monday, October 21, 2013 <br />6:30 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br />  <br />Page 1 of 42  <br />  <br />ROLL CALL <br /> <br />The Orono Planning Commission met on the above-mentioned date with the following members present: <br />Chair Denise Leskinen, Commissioners Kevin Landgraver, Bruce Lemke, Christopher McGrann, Loren <br />Schoenzeit, Jon Schwingler, and John Thiesse. Representing Staff were Assistant City Administrator of <br />Long-Term Strategic Planning Michael Gaffron, Planning Coordinator Melanie Curtis, and Recorder <br />Jackie Young. Council Member Aaron Printup was present. <br /> <br />Chair Leskinen called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. <br /> <br />CONSENT AGENDA <br /> <br />Lemke moved, Landgraver seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. VOTE: <br />Ayes 7, Nays 0. <br /> <br />*1. APPROVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2013 <br /> <br />Lemke moved, Landgraver seconded, to approve the minutes of the Orono Planning Commission <br />meeting of September 16, 2013, as submitted. VOTE: Ayes 7, Nays 0. <br /> <br />OLD BUSINESS <br /> <br />2. #13-3616 CITY OF ORONO, AMENDMENT OF ZONING CODE CHAPTER 78 <br />ADD SECTION 78-1379, ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEMS <br /> <br />Gaffron noted the Planning Commission over the past spring and summer has been reviewing an <br />amendment to the zoning code regarding alternative energy systems. The Planning Commission has met <br />in July, August, September and also October 2 to discuss various elements of an alternate energy systems <br />ordinance, including solar energy systems, ground source heat pump systems, hydronic furnaces such as <br />wood-fired boilers, and wind energy conversion systems. <br /> <br />At the October 4 work session, the Planning Commission arrived at some conclusions to help guide the <br />discussion at the November work session, and it is Staff’s goal to complete the review at the November 6 <br />work session so that a recommendation can be made to the City Council at the regular Planning <br />Commission meeting scheduled for November 18. <br /> <br />Gaffron indicated the key points arrived at by the Planning Commission regarding wind energy <br />conversion systems would be to limit those systems to large lots, at least 10 acres in area; to require <br />substantial setbacks for those systems from property boundaries, while at the same time needing to be <br />located relatively the principal residence they would serve; and that the height, flicker, and noise are <br />aspects that need special attention to limit impacts. In addition, the systems would need to be in place and <br />functional or dismantled and removed. <br /> <br />Gaffron noted the Planning Commission does not need to formally make a recommendation on the draft <br />ordinance tonight. <br /> <br />Leskinen asked if the application has been noted for a public hearing tonight. <br /> <br />Item #01 - PC Agenda - 11/18/2013 <br />Approval of Planning Commission Minutes 10/21/2013 <br />[Page 1 of 42]