Planning Commission Minutes

Planning Commission
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
7:00 p.m.

Present: T. Byle, T. Korfhage, J. Hickey; Chairman; C. Rypma, A. Parent, T. Schweitzer, and M. Huizenga. Absent: C. Gornowich, D. Brown. Also Present: F. Wash, Planning Director, and P. Dlouhy, CDD-Planning Assistant.

Chairman Hickey opened the meeting and Member Rypma gave the invocation.

Approval of Minutes – October 7, 2009

Motion by T. Korfhage, supported by T. Byle, to approve the minutes of October 7, 2009, as printed. Motion carried.

General Public Comment

There were no comments at this time.

Case #09-566 – Blandford Nature Center – Wind Energy Turbine -Site Plan Review

Chairman Hickey read the application for site plan approval to allow a proposed 51’ tall monopole mounted wind-energy turbine, located at 1720 Whitmore Avenue, N.W., which is north of Milo Street and south of Richmond near the Walker/Grand Rapids municipal boundary.

Planner Wash related that Annoesjka Steinman, Director of Blandford Nature Center, and Mark Raymond of Cascade Engineering were present on behalf of this request.

Wash reviewed his staff report. He related that this is the first wind energy turbine to appear before the planning commission since the new Sustainable Energy Zoning Ordinance was approved in June of 2009. Wash related that the proposed Swift turbine unit is similar to those on the Meijer Headquarters building (roof mounted type).

Wash related that the proposal is to install a 51-foot small tower mounted wind energy turbine (STM-WET) on the 50-acre farm portion of the nature center. Setbacks would be 70’ from the south property line and 240’ from the east lot line, according to the applicant’s site plan.

Mark Raymond and Annoesjka Steinman explained their request to construct a STM-WET. Mark Raymond explained how the SWIFT type of turbine works and that the total height of the turbine and tower will be 51’ above grade.

Annoesjka Steinman reviewed a schematic plan and stated that the wind turbine would be part of an educational display, including a meter and video monitor at Blandford’s visitor center to show visitors how much electrical power the turbine was producing. She related that the turbine would be connected to the electrical grid at the onsite Blandford school.

Annoesjka Steinman then discussed the future vision of the Blandford Nature Center, with a potential farm expansion and a relocated school on site. She related that part of the property is being farmed, and next year they anticipate expanding the community plots by incorporating greenhouses over the next few years to benefit education. They also anticipate new farm buildings for crop growing and a certified kitchen to teach cooking as well.

Annoesjka Steinman related that the wind turbine is a gift from the Wege Foundation. The community can learn about wind energy and get familiar with the technology. She related that, depending on funding, they may add onto the visitor center. She stated that they are hoping to make an older facility into a state of the art attraction.

Member Schweitzer asked if the STM-WET access is from the south? Annoesjka stated yes from Hillburn, and the small farm access is from Milo. If and when they develop the new farm buildings, Annoesjka related that they may have a new access plan. Annoesjka stated that the three portable classrooms will go away and the new facilities will use the existing driveway.

Member Huizenga asked if tests had been done for wind source adequacy or was it based on assumptions of topography? Mark Raymond stated that they used wind maps to get wind data. There is 600’ to the west before you get to any trees. Mark Raymond stated that there will be an educational kiosk in the school and visitor center to see what electricity the wind turbine is producing.

Chairman Hickey stated that the wind turbine is more of a "show and tell" rather than a major power source for the Blandford Nature Center. Annoesjka stated that the wind turbine is for the school so the kids can learn from it, and it is for the general public as well.

Chairman Hickey asked if the wind turbine would be quiet? Mark Raymond stated yes, and the Meijer roof-top wind turbines are quiet as well.

Member Rypma asked if there would be any issues with birds? Mark Raymond stated that this unit will have rings around it which will deter the birds. He indicated that there were some problems in California with migrating bird routes. Those were "wind farm" units that were not subject to an environmental impact study prior to installation.

Member Parent stated that Mayor VerHeulen indicated the Meijer wind turbines are quiet. Planner Wash added that the six wind turbines on the Meijer rooftop went before the Zoning Board of Appeals to be judged similar to HVAC units, as this was prior to the Sustainable Energy Zoning Ordinance.

Planner Wash related that according to the wind maps, Walker does not appear as a high potential wind area. Wash stated that maybe along Northridge Dr., where Cabela’s was supposed to go in on the high ridge, bigger turbines might be feasible. Northridge Drive is also near power transmission lines. He felt that we won’t see the huge wind farm turbines in most of Walker. We have local examples of wind turbines where there are no problems.

Chairman Hickey asked if the reason for the 51 foot height is to catch the wind? Mark Raymond stated that the tower height reduces ground friction and catches more wind.

Member Rypma asked what kind of maintenance will be required? Mark Raymond stated that there are yearly visual inspections. When assembled, lock tight nuts are used with stainless steel materials and sealed bearings inside the generator.

Member Parent asked what a typical life span is for the wind turbines? Mark Raymond stated 20 years.

Member Korfhage asked if the wind turbine was designed for a windstorm like we had in 1998? Mark Raymond related that it is designed for a 95-mile an hour wind. He explained that the turbine will automatically slow down with a 35-mile an hour wind, as it has a safety feature built in for high winds.

Chairman Hickey asked how many Swift wind turbines have been installed in West Michigan? Mark Raymond related there have been 80 installed in the U.S. and 50-60 in West Michigan. It was determined that Meijer alone has 24 Swift-Model wind turbines in place across West Michigan.

Motion by C. Rypma, supported by T. Byle, to approve the site plan to install a STM-WET standing 51 feet tall on property located at 1720 Whitmore Ave., N.W. (PPN 41-13-16-155-005), as it does meet the standards set forth in the City of Walker Sustainable Energy Zoning Ordinance; with the following conditions of site plan approval:

Building permit application must include in-the-field proof of STM-WET setbacks from adjacent property lines.

Motion carried 7-0.

Commissioner and Staff Update

There was general discussion about the following items:

• Status of the two "Orchard Park" houses that were to be demolished on Bristol Ave. – No updates at this time.
• Status of additional signage proposed for the Standale Retail Center – Nothing proposed at this time.
• Status of Huntington Ridge drainage situation – Frank to provide update from Scott Conners.
• Status of new "Welcome to Downtown Standale" entrance sign.

Wash related that the next planning commission meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 16, 2009 with the following items on the agenda:

Adjournment

Motion by A. Parent, supported by T. Korfhage, to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Motion carried.

_______________________________ __________________________________

Administrative Approval Carol Gornowich, Secretary

Walker Planning Commission

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