HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-23-Planning and Zoning Commission MinutesMINUTES OF THE TUESDAY JUNE 23,2009 PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
MEETING.
Chairman Mook called the June 23,2009 meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission to order at
6:00 p.rn.
Roll Call.Chairman Mook asked for a roll call and the following Commissioners were present:
Hassebroek,Hoifeldt,Dutcher Airhart,and Mook.Absent:Steele and Schmidt.Others in attendance:
Beth Richardson,Brad Deets,Ben Landhanser,and Dennis Dowell.
Agenda Approval.Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by Commissioner Airhart,to approve
the agenda for June 23,2009."Ayes:Hoifeldt,Airhart,Hassebroek,Dntcher,and Mook.Nays:None.
Motion carried.
Approval of Jnne 9,2009 Regular Meeting Minutes.Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by
Commissioner Dutcher to adopt the June 9,2009 Regular Meeting Minntes."Ayes:Hoifeldt,Dutcher,
Hassebroek,Airhart,and Mook.Nays:None.Motion carried,
Open Forum,No one appeared to address the Commission during the Open Forum.
Approve the Zoning Ordinance Amendment to Sections 301.8 to add Section 0 related to
provisions regulating wind energy conversion systems.Director of Development Services,Brad
Deets,explained that following the discussion at the last Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting,staff
has made several modifications to the proposed ordinance based upon the input of the Commission.
Some of the highlights inclnde provisions that wonld allow for the construction of a wind energy
conversion system within the R-3 and R-3A zoning districts,the elimination of the provisions related to
surrounding property owner protests and other minor word modifications.Two drafts were provided to
the Commission;one version removing language related to provisions allowing for the placement of
systems in residential districts and the other involving the removal of the residential district placement
and the ability to install roof mounted wind turbines in any district.Commissioner Hoifeldt discussed an
article with the Commission that was in the Des Moines Register regarding Clive's work on their wind
energy ordinance which included a pictnre of a roof mounted wind turbine on a residence in the City of
Des Moines.It was discussed that there are reports indicating a lack of proven performance in roof
mounted wind turbine models.Commissioner Mook expressed similar concern to Commissioner Hoifeldt
and wondered if this would be the appropriate time to include provisions permitting the placement of roof
mounted systems in any district until there is a better understanding of how they will benefit the
community,
Hal Snedeker of 775 SE Olson Drive spoke abont the extensive research he has done on wind turbines.
He is not comfortable with the City signing off on the turbines and nltimately becoming responsible for
them if they fail.He also noted that the picture of the roof mounted wind turbine was located lower than
the tree line thns making it inefficient.Mr.Snedecker expressed his further concern that the City be
cautious abont the types of systems that will be permitted as there are a number of manufacturers that are
primarily concerned with profiteering and not providing a quality long term alternative energy solntion.
Commissioner Dutcher stated he would prefer to leave the wind turbines out of residential areas for now.
Commissioner Mook stated that the City should specify that only monopole systems be allowed at this
time.He requested the monopole requirement be added to the definition portion of the ordinance.
Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,seconded by Commissioner Dutcher,to "Approve the Zoning
Ordinance Amendment to Sections 301.8 to add Section 0 related to provisions regulating wind energy
conversion systems,the draft version with no residential and no roof mount turbines,adding the definition
of monopoles and addressing the setbacks."Ayes:Hoifeldt,Dutcher,Airhart,Hassebroek,and Mook.
Nays:None.Motion carried,
New Business.Director of Development Services,Brad Deets,briefed the Commission on future items
that will be reviewed.The rezoning application for Thomas Place received first reading at the City
Council meeting.They discovered that the existing detention pond on the NE corner of the property is
considered a US waterway so they will be adjusting the site plan to include the wetland and they have
moved their anticipated construction date up.The Sustainable Office Park project is moving forward.
Building permits were up again this month.
Adjonrnment.Motion by Commissioner Hoifeldt,second by Commissioner Dutcher,to adjourn the
meeting at 6:35 P.M.Ayes:Hoifeldt,Dutcher,Airhart,Hassebroek,and Mook.Nays:None.Motion
carried.Meeting adjourned./(IMttI-
Brian Mook,Planning &Zoning Chairman
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