TOWN OF CONCORD PLAN COMMISSION MINUTES
September 26, 2018
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with Lloyd Zastrow, Jim Gilbert, Sally Williams, Carole Hoffmeister, and Laura Callison present.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Sally Williams stated that the meeting had been properly posted.
Laura Callison made a motion to approve the minutes from the August 22 meeting, second by Jim Gilbert. All approved. Motion passed.
Item 1: John & Dee Winkelman represented by Tom Stade requested review and approval of a preliminary CSM to create a 2.4 acre A-3 farm consolidation parcel and a 10 acre Natural Resource parcel from a 49 acre A-1 parent parcel at 7252 Hillside Dr. (parcel #006-0716-0521-000). The proposed Natural Resource parcel is wooded and would be sold for hunting. Sally Williams made a motion to recommend approval of the proposal as presented, second by Jim Gilbert. All approved. Motion passed.
Item 2: Discussion of solar ordinance.
Sally Williams stated that based on conversations with various state entities, it does not appear that the Town has the authority to pass a solar ordinance. Guidelines for a solar installation would have to come through a conditional use permit. Wisconsin statutes 60.61(1) & (2) also indicate that since the town does not have zoning authority, it would likely not have the authority to pass a solar ordinance. The Town could pass a resolution stating its position on utility scale solar in the town and outlining desired guidelines for a conditional use permit in the event that a utility scale solar power plant is approved for development in the town.
A draft of the ordinance sent to members by Sally 2 weeks prior to the meeting was reviewed. The draft cites the inconsistency between a utility scale solar development on prime farmland and the following: Town and County Land Use Plans, County zoning, and Wis. stats. Ch.s 91 and 196. Setbacks from residential and farm properties were discussed as well as road setbacks. Sally will insert wording to differentiate between residential setbacks and farm land setbacks. Noise level limits were set at 35 decibels based on cited research. Limits on tree removal were discussed and it was decided that removal of areas of trees > 5 acres would be discouraged. Road bonding was discussed and it was decided to include bonding for prairie establishment and screening. Other issues addressed in the ordinance are height, visibility, interference, soil & groundwater testing, emergency response plans, decommissioning plan and bonding, and property value guarantees. Sally will make the changes discussed and reword the document as a resolution rather than an ordinance. If the Town Board passes the resolution, it will be sent to the County. Jim Gilbert made a motion to present the resolution to the Town Board at the October Town Board meeting, second by Carole Hoffmeister. All approved. Motion passed.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Sally Williams, secretary