Minutes - Environmental Policy Board - 07/17/2017

Home

that Connexus provided with their application,noting that staff would also coordinate with the Fire Department to ensure public safety measures are considered in the design as well. He asked the Board to think about this topic and be prepared for a more thorough review at the August meeting. Board Member Hiatt stated that perhaps other cities are further along in their zoning that could perhaps provide some insight. He stated that he likes the idea of using a Conditional Use Permit, as that would leave the City with the highest level of discretion. City Planner Anderson stated that the Connexus representative has offered access to their consultant that has numerous ordinance examples that are being used across the nation for staff to review. Board Member Anderson asked if there are environmental impacts to the ground mounted solar arrays. City Planner Anderson stated that there has not been a presentation from Connexus on this large of a scale. He stated that Connexus is one of the few solar gardens that have converted the area to a sustainable native landscape and are now raising honeybees on the property. He stated that he is unsure whether there are environmental impacts but noted that there can also be environmental benefits, as Connexus has shown on their site. Acting Chairperson Valentine stated that in his experience one of the complaints for these types of uses is nuisance noise and asked the proximity of the closest residential development. Councilmember LeTourneau asked the type of noise. Acting Chairperson Valentine replied that there could be noise from fans or adjusting equipment. City Planner Anderson replied that the panels can be designed to follow the arc of the sun but is not aware if this proposal will include that technology. He noted that most of the adjacent parcels are currently used for agricultural purposes, although zoned residential, and currently the parcel is somewhat of an island in itself He believed the closest residential development would be on Bowers Drive. Councilmember LeTourneau stated that perhaps the EPB should ask for the environmental impact and environmental benefits. He stated that the native prairie planting that Connexus did on their own campus near the solar array is interesting. City Planner Anderson stated that the current existing solar array on the Connexus campus has been in place for a few years and there have not been any complaints from the neighboring residential developments, which are much closer in proximity than the proposed site. Board Member Covart asked if a six-foot fence would block the solar array. City Planner Anderson replied that a six-foot fence would not block the equipment but would more likely be used for security purposes. He stated that this is an exciting project which demonstrates that their original solar project was successful. Environmental Policy Board/July 17, 2017 Page 5 of 6