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April 11, 2024 PC Minutes <br />Page 5 <br /> <br /> <br />Evan Carlson approached the podium to respond to questions. Carlson stated that he submitted <br />valuation studies that concluded that solar farms do not negatively affect property values, that much <br />more disruptive uses are permitted on AG zoned property, and that the racking materials are <br />engineered to sustain winds up to 170 miles per hour. Carlson stated that the solar pan els are made of <br />standard silicon, and that all of the materials are recyclable and nontoxic. Carlson stated that the fence <br />materials could be changed to address visual concerns. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Derr asked about glare, Carlson stated that glare issues typically arise from tracker <br />systems where the panels track the position of the sun, but that this proposal uses a fixed tilt system <br />where the panels don’t move. Carlson stated that his company has projects that are at or near airports, <br />and that they have not received complaints of glare. <br /> <br />Commissioner Lessard asks if the stated 10 foot height was the panel’s height off of the ground, <br />Carlson says yes. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Derr asked if there were any further public comments. <br /> <br />Levi Shepherd returned to the podium and said that every townhome has a bedroom window pointed <br />at the property and that use and enjoyment affects property values. <br /> <br />John Udsteun returned to the podium and said that the City failed to adequately notify the residents <br />within 350 feet of the property, and that should be enough to stop the public hearing. <br /> <br />Mike Happ returned to the podium and asked who was the expert that approved the proposal. Juba <br />said that the City does not have a specific expert on solar farms, but explained the application review <br />process as well as the public meetings held during the ordinance review process. Happ said that the <br />City needs an expert to verify the health and safety claims. <br /> <br />Ben Krull returned to the podium and stated that the road is not being improved, and t hat solar panels <br />are not being recycled. <br /> <br />No one else spoke. <br /> <br />Acting Chair Derr closed the Public Hearing at 9:23 PM. <br /> <br />Juba restated that the City Engineer and Public Works Director participate in the development review <br />process and had no concerns about the effects on Everton Avenue due to the low anticipated traffic <br />volume. <br /> <br />Commissioner Andress asked if any of the proposed plantings will be conducive to the wildlife habitat, <br />and if the reestablishment will only occur within the fenced in area. Carlson s aid that native plantings <br />within the fenced-in area will have a positive environmental benefit, and that outside the fence <br />landscaping will only be planted with nothing removed.