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suggested that the tree line be located closer to the solar farm in order to create a more affective <br />buffer. Gregoire also requested a design form pertaining to the panels as well as the height of the <br />trees being used to provide a buffer around the solar farm. <br />Bruce Sampson of 16675 Henna Avenue N approached the podium. Sampson stated that <br />although the applicant has provided staff with all of the required information and documentation <br />needed for the solar farm, the project does not fit within the community and should be placed in <br />a different area. Sampson also stated that the project is not a solar farm, but a solar plant. <br />John Weyandt of 7250 165th Street N approached the podium. Weyandt's main concern was the <br />wind ratings of the solar panels. Weyandt presented the Fujita scale which is used to categorize <br />the wind speeds of tornadoes. Weyandt explained that most tornadoes including the one that <br />previously hit Hugo, produce winds which exceed speeds of 90 MPH. Weyandt stated that the <br />current wind ratings for the proposed solar panels are not high enough to withstand the winds <br />produced by a tornado. Weyandt would also like to know who to call if a solar panel strikes an <br />animal and how to receive financial compensation for such an incident. <br />Bruce Discher of 6364 165th Street N approached the podium. Discher acknowledged the <br />closeness of the community and suggests that the solar farm be placed on vacant land along <br />Highway 61. <br />Beverly Walton of 16740 Henna Avenue N approached the podium. Walton stated that she has <br />lived in the area for about 4 years. Walton stated that although the trees may provide a sufficient <br />buffer once they have matured, this will take at least 20 years. Walton mentioned that because of <br />her current age, she will not be able to witness substantial growth of the trees which are being <br />used as a buffer. <br />Wilfrid Riopel of 8089 165th Street N approached the podium. Riopel stated that the solar farm is <br />being proposed in an area containing wetlands and that this fact concerns many of the nearby <br />residents. Riopel went on to explain that the runoff and project access point will need to cross a <br />water flowage and something should be done to prevent flooding within the surrounding area. <br />Riopel also stated that the entrance to the site should be properly engineered. <br />Burns Rudy of 7375 165th St N approached the podium. Rudy stated that the proposed area is <br />known for having high winds and property damage from severe weather. Rudy also requested to <br />know how the remaining property will be maintained. <br />Juba introduced a response for the concerns listed by the residents. Juba stated that an <br />Environmental Impact Statement is not required with the installation of a solar farm. Juba also <br />stated that stormwater management within the area will be addressed and that stormwater <br />management is required by the City with the acquisition of a building permit. Juba then <br />explained that the solar farm does not require a Hazardous Waste Generators License. Other <br />developments such as commercial developments or home occupations may be required to <br />possess this license but it does not apply to solar farms. Juba then identified the fact that there <br />may be some confusion in terms of zoning and land use within the area. The parcel being <br />proposed is zoned as Future Urban Service which is an agricultural type zoning district. This <br />