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April 11, 2024 PC Minutes <br /> Page 4 <br /> about the drainage and impacts to Clearwater Creek and Bald Eagle Lake. Peltier stated that he was <br /> concerned about the apparent discrepancy in zoning. <br /> Nathan Dull, 18370 English Ave, Farmington MN, representing the Minnesota Land and Liberty <br /> Coalition, says that the group advocated for property rights and green energy. Dull stated that <br /> technological advancements have decreased the overall size of 1 megawatt systems, and that this <br /> project is much smaller than the 320-megawatt systems that are seen in counties further north. Dull <br /> stated that concerns about EMF can be compared to cell phone radiation and lithium ion batteries. Dull <br /> stated that there are larger forces that can disrupt property values than a solar farm. Mike Happ <br /> approached the podium stating he wanted to know who Dull is and why he was there, and ultimately <br /> asked if Dull was there to support the project. Dull said yes. <br /> Levi Shepherd asked if anyone on the Planning Commission has been a realtor or has a real estate <br /> background, Commissioner Kelly raised his hand. Shepherd stated that cell phones are heavily <br /> regulated and that their materials are more controlled. Shepherd restated his points about health <br /> concerns and protecting his view. <br /> John Udsteun restated that he wanted the proposal to be tabled to give him time to develop a legal <br /> case against the project. <br /> Laura Syring restated previous points and stated that she wants the Commissioners to view the <br /> proposal from her property. Syring asked the question if the Commissioners would want a solar farm <br /> next to their property. <br /> Jimmie Gregoire also invited the Commissioners to view the solar farm adjacent to his property. <br /> Gregoire asked if any of the Commissioners had questions for him, and stated that he prefers that the <br /> questions be asked directly to him and not directed at staff. Acting Chair Derr said the Planning <br /> Commission will continue to take comments and if they have any questions of Gregoire they'll ask him. <br /> Arnie Triemert stated that other solar farms are not near houses or large developments. <br /> Community Development Director Juba suggested that the Planning Commission take some time to <br /> address questions. Juba stated that there can be confusion between zoning, land use designation, and <br /> what appears on property taxes. Juba stated that the property is zoned Agricultural, meaning that <br /> everything allowed in the AG district is allowed on that property, including solar farms. Juba stated that <br /> the City doesn't use the 2030 Comprehensive Plan anymore, but that the 2040 Comprehensive Plan <br /> designates many properties in eastern Hugo as large lot residential. Juba stated that Washington <br /> County determines the use for property taxes based on how it's actively being used, not the zoning <br /> classification. Juba stated that this application has gone through the same process that the City uses <br /> for every development project, and that there's a lot of time between when a project is first proposed <br /> and when the application is complete and the public is notified. Juba pointed to the section in the <br /> ordinance that allows for the Planning Commission to recommend additional conditions to the IUP, <br /> which can be used to mitigate concerns about the fence or screening if they so choose.Juba stated <br /> that the applicant would be the best to answer questions about health concerns or sheer factor. <br />