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zoning district allows the installation of a solar farm with the acquisition of an IUP. Juba then <br />explained that land use applies to the use of the land once City water and sewer municipalities <br />are installed to service the area in question. In regards to the landscaping, Juba mentioned that <br />the Commission could review and adjust requirements for the landscaping within the area. Juba <br />noted that wetland specialists do not recommend disturbing the wetlands by placing landscaping <br />within the wetlands and that the landscaping should be placed on the upland portions of the <br />property. Juba identified that the buffer trees will be 6-8 feet in height and that the height meets <br />City requirements. The Commission could also discuss the instalment of a berm which would <br />surround the solar farm. The site entrance would also be properly engineered and gated with the <br />use of best management practices in terms of site drainage. Juba deferred any remaining question <br />to the applicant. <br />Biesner approached the podium. Biesner claimed that the panels are built from two pieces of <br />glass containing photo crystalline silicon which is essentially made up of sand and high-grade <br />plastic. Biesner then provided a document which stated that the material is not classified as <br />hazardous or harmful to people or the environment. Biesner then noted that the panels can <br />withstand wind speeds per building code requirements. In addition, Biesner read a statement <br />made following Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. The statement stated <br />that large-scale solar farms located within New York and New Jersey sustained only minor <br />damages as a result of the winds produced by the two hurricanes listed. The solar panels will be <br />built to the minimum of City and State standards in terms of wind ratings. <br />Biesner then stated that the property owner has the right to use their property as long as the use <br />meets City regulations. He also stated that in terms of proposing the solar farm, all City <br />requirements have been met. The parcel consists of 30 acres and only 5 acres are being used. <br />Furthermore, the buffer was never meant to provide a barrier that is completely affective. Some <br />sections of the solar farm may still be visible. <br />Commissioner Derr brought up a question regarding electromagnetic interference and whether or <br />not the solar farm will interfere with nearby technology. <br />Biesner responds by stating that the Minneapolis Airport has solar panels placed on their garage <br />roof and there have been no reported issues in terms of electromagnetic interference. Biesner <br />then addressed the public's concern with the installment of additional electrical poles within the <br />proposed property. There will be three electrical poles installed near the accesses road. Biesner <br />then explains how the poles will be installed. <br />Chair Kleissler asked Biesner if it is possible to place a double row of trees on the western side <br />of the property, which is lacking in sufficient tree cover. <br />Biesner stated that placing a double row of trees is not feasible because it would cause the <br />landscaping to encroach on existing wetlands. <br />Chair Kleissler asked Biesner if it would be possible to reduce the size of the solar farm in order <br />to provide a buffer on the western side of the property. <br />