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PUBLIC COMMENT CLOSED. <br /> A motion was made by Planning Commission Member Wilson, seconded by <br /> Planning Commission Member Paulbeck, to remove Condition Number 4 <br /> requiring a floor drain/sediment trap. All members voted"aye". Motion <br /> carried. <br /> APPLICANT: Curt Johnson, on behalf of Jerry and Lois Akerson <br /> Applicant requests an Ordinance Amendment to allow Ground Mounted <br /> Solar <br /> Mr. Burslie explained the Staff Report. Applicant was present. Mr. Burslie noted the <br /> Ground Mounted Solar is listed as Excluded in the Patriot Development on the Matrix; <br /> this could be a Permitted use instead. <br /> Curt Johnson stated he is the representative for Jerry Akerson for this solar project and <br /> is working with John Vaughn of Rural Renewable Energy Alliance (RREAL) out of Pine <br /> River. This project would be very similar to the project next to the Pine River School. <br /> This project would be ground mount solar which may encompass 2o to 3o acres. The <br /> reason the project is that magnitude is that the substation near the Akerson property is a <br /> Minnesota Power substation,which is a prime energy generator and distribution of <br /> power out of that. Minnesota Power is interested in renewable energy. He further <br /> stated he has reviewed the proposed ordinance and supports it. <br /> Chair Birch reminded the Planning Commission that this project is not being approved; <br /> this is for an ordinance amendment to allow ground mounted solar which could affect <br /> future projects as well. <br /> Mr. Johnson stated he would encourage this be included in the Patriot Development <br /> zone. <br /> Chair Birch stated he had concerns with the proposed amendment creating unnecessary <br /> burdens for small, ground mounted backyard solar and the requirement for permits and <br /> fees. One goal of putting permitting on these would be to ensure we don't have a massive <br /> industrial scale solar farm next to a residential home. One tool we have built into our <br /> ordinances is impervious coverage. Even without permitting, someone wanting a solar <br /> farm would need to come to the Planning Commission for a variance to increase their <br /> impervious coverage. Another tool to consider would be the zoning classification and <br /> the size of the solar project. <br /> Planning Commission Member Wilson stated screening had been included in the <br /> proposed amendment. He is familiar with the area for this project. Mr. Johnson stated <br /> the property is zoned Agriculture. Mr. Johnson stated screening of solar projects is <br /> MINUTES 2 <br /> Pequot Lakes Planning Commission <br /> January i6, 2020 <br />