PC Packet 08.09.18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of Thursday, July 26, 2018 Chair Kleissler called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. PRESENT: Arcand, Derr, Kleissler, Luchsinger. ABSENT: Lessard, Tjernlund STAFF: Rachel Juba, Community Development Director Pierre Giguere, Community Development Intern Approval of Minutes for the Planning Commission Meeting of June 28, 2018 Commissioner Arcand made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Derr, to approve minutes for the meeting of June 28, 2018. All Ayes. Motion carried. Public hearing for FastSun 4, LLC. — Interim Use Permit Application for a Solar Farm Juba introduced the application submitted by FastSun 4 for the proposed solar farm. The 30 acre parcel being used for the solar farm is zoned Future Urban Service and is guided for Low Density Residential within Hugo's 2030 comprehensive plan. The parcel is relatively flat and contains approximately 16.3 acres of wetland. The applicant has provided staff with a wetland delineation. Juba describes the power output of the solar farm. The energy produced by the solar panels will provide power for 165 houses within the city. Xcel Energy has proposed to purchase the power from the FastSun 4 solar farm. Juba then proceeds to describe the City's general standards in terms of solar farms including the need for a building permit, evidence of agreement with local utility, and labels on all solar energy components in accordance with city code. Performance standards are also outlined. The minimum lot size for a solar farm is 10 acres within Long Term Agriculture (LA), Agricultural (AG), or Future Urban Service (FUS) zoning districts. The solar panels shall not reach heights greater than 15 feet. The solar farm must also be enclosed by approved perimeter fencing, and an adequate vegetative buffer or screening. The applicant has stated that there will be a six-foot galvanized chain link fence installed around the perimeter of the solar farm to ensure security. The applicant has provided staff with an updated landscaping plan that was not provided within the packets given to Commission members. Juba describes the layout of the updated landscaping plan. Routine maintenance will also be performed to ensure that the solar panels are operating at all times. The proposed solar farm will be placed upon the site in accordance to a proposed 25 year contract with Xcel Energy. Once 25 years has passed, the applicant will need to renew their contract as well as their building agreement with the city. In terms of removal, the applicant is required to provide a cash escrow in the case in which the City must remove the solar panels. The City would use the funds provided by FastSun 4 to remove the solar farm if FastSun 4 was unable to remove the panels on its own. Juba also notes that the solar farm must keep within the spirit and intent of the chapter. This includes the production of renewable energy within the City of Hugo while avoiding impacts on the community at large. Juba states that the solar farm will meet the standards set by the City in terms of solar farm installation and operation. The solar farm would also not impede the City's ability to follow its 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Juba mentions that staff has recommended the applicant use coniferous trees within the landscaping plan to provide adequate screening. The applicant should also enter a maintenance agreement for the landscaping to ensure that dead trees or other landscaping issues can be resolved quickly. The stormwater design must also meet all City requirements and must be reviewed and approved by City staff.