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Planning Commission <br />July 26, 2018 <br />Page 2 <br />Chair Kleissler allows the applicant to approach the podium at 7:25 pm. <br />Chuck Biesner of 601 Carlson Parkway, Minnetonka, Minnesota, approaches the podium. <br />Biesner sates that FastSun 4 has a lease on the entire parcel, not just the section containing the proposed solar <br />farm. He also states that the area being built upon contains the least amount of wetland within the parcel. <br />Biesner states that FastSun 4 agrees with all City regulations and is willing to work with the City. <br />Commissioner Arcand asks the applicant what could go wrong with the solar farm. <br />Biesner states that there are few moving parts and no flammable materials within the panels. They are designed <br />for high winds and are advanced enough for operators to determine the condition of each panel. There are very <br />few things that could go wrong with the panels. <br />Commissioner Arcand asks who is responsible for the damages caused by the solar panels. <br />Biesner states that FastSun 4 holds full responsibility for all potential solar panel damages and impacts. Biesner <br />also states that many people are concerned with how the solar farm will impact property values. Biesner <br />explains that the solar farm has no impact on surrounding property values according to studies performed by an <br />appraisal firm in Corcoran, Minnesota during a previous solar farm project. The solar panels will not produce <br />noise, smell or traffic. He states that if people want a neighbor, a solar farm would be the easiest neighbor to <br />have. <br />Chair Kleissler asks the applicant how panel height is determined <br />Biesner states that the panels are placed within the ground in a manner that allows them to be the proper <br />regulation height which is below 15 feet while still remaining secure with the ground. <br />Chair Kleissler asks the applicant if there is any form of gate at the entrance of the solar farm. <br />Biesner states that there is no plan to add a gate but this can be easily implemented. <br />Chair Kleissler opens the public hearing at 7:35pm. <br />James Gregoire of 16720 Henna Avenue approaches the podium. Gregoire proposes that a berm with staggered <br />trees should be placed around the entire solar farm to prevent nearby residents from being able to see the solar <br />panels. Gregoire is also concerned with wind blowing solar panels onto his property. Another concern stated by <br />Gregoire is the possibility of the site becoming a dumping area for unwanted junk. Gregoire is also concerned <br />that the panels will affect the flow of water and wants to know whether or not his property will be flooded. He <br />also requests to know how many panels are being installed and how deep the support poles will be placed into <br />the ground. <br />Gregoire then brings up the fact that a 25 year contract is too long. The land around them may develop and the <br />solar farm may block future development. He states that he is looking at the long term effects of the solar farm <br />instead of short term. He is also concerned that the solar panels will depreciate the value of his land in the <br />future. Gregoire states that he would like to see updates on the project. Another concern held by Gregoire is the <br />possibility of glare coming into his windows. He emphasizes the importance of a buffer to block the glare and <br />view of the panels. <br />