PC Packet 08.09.18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Planning Commission July 26, 2018 Page 3 Dan Riopel of 16792 Henna Avenue N approaches the podium. His main concern is that the solar farm is not a good fit for an area that is planned to be developed for housing in the future. He is also concerned with the 25 year contract and the fact that things may change over time. He would like screening around the solar farm and was asking what the size of the buffer tress would be. He states that because the area is full of wetlands, access to the property will be difficult. Activities taking place on the property could flood his own property. Proper drainage of the property must be considered. Katy Weyandt of 7250 165th Street N approaches the podium. She states that a solar farm is not a good fit in the neighborhood. Residents do not want to be able to see the solar farm. She also states that there must be trees around the entire development. She also brings up the fact that the owner of the proposed property is never around so the solar farm will not affect them directly. John Weyandt of 7250 165th Street N approaches the podium. His concern is that the temperatures on his property will rise because of the solar panels. He is also concerned that the FastSun 4 company has not been around long enough to possess the proper experience to property install and maintain a solar farm. Bruce Sampson of 16675 Henna Avenue N approaches the podium. His concern is that the buffer will not be big enough to block the view of the solar panels. He states that if he had known about the solar farm, he would have reconsidered buying land within Hugo and moving to that location. He states that the solar panel is not being placed in the right neighborhood and would encourage a large buffer around the solar farm. Burns Ruddy of 7375 165th St N approaches the podium. He would like to know how the remaining property will be maintained. He also wants to know if local people will be able to install the panels or if the installation will be done by people not living within the area. Meriel McClintock of 7260 165th St N approaches the podium. Her main concern is the wildlife. She is worried that birds may collide with the solar panels. Biesner approaches the podium. He states that a gate can be placed at the entrance to discourage dumping. He also assures the Commission that the panels will be secured within the ground under the supervision of a state certified structural engineer. The panels are made to remain secured. He also states that the glare will not be a concern. The glare created by the panels is minimal. Permits will also be obtained to prevent flooding within the surrounding area. Biesner goes on to explain that the panels are made to absorb heat so they will not create an increase in temperature within surrounding properties. There will be 4,000 panels installed on the site and support poles will be inserted 8-15 feet into the ground depending on soil composition. There will be a maintenance agreement between FastSun 4 and the landscaping company to ensure that dead trees are quickly replaced. In terms of wildlife, Biesner states that FastSun 4 will plant native plants within the site to help bees and other forms of wildlife. The panels will not harm birds. Biesner then states that the remaining land will be left in its current state. He would like to see the remaining land bailed by local farmers. It is unknown to Biesner whether or not local residents will be employed by the company to install the panels.