Laserfiche WebLink
April 11, 2024 PC Minutes <br />Page 4 <br /> <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 z oning. <br /> <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 /> <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 po ints about health <br />concerns and protecting his view. <br /> <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 /> <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 /> <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 /> <br />Arnie Triemert stated that other solar farms are not near houses or large developments. <br /> <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. Jub a 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.