Alton Plan Commission met July 18.
Here is the minutes as provided by the commission:
Present: Mark Hackworth, Joe Blair, Gary Doerr, Terry Dooley, Martha Kane, Barry Clayton, Todd Harpole
Absent: John Rain, James Rogalsky, Eva Perkins
Others Present: Deanna Barnes (Deputy Director of Development and Housing), Mike Harvey (Life Safety/Code
Inspector), and Micky Jones (Secretary)
Chairman Hackworth called the meeting to order and asked for a roll call. Roll call was taken with 7 present and 3 absent. Motion was made by Joe Blair and seconded by Terry Dooley to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 6, 2017. Vote was 7 to 0 in favor.
Motion was made by Gary Doerr and seconded by Terry Dooley to open the public hearing. Vote was 7 to 0 in favor.
Straight Up Solar, Charles Melton, Jr. petitioned the Alton City Council for a special use permit for installation of a ground mounted, gried tied 3.84 kilowatt solar pv array at 2100 Fernwood, Alton, Illinois.
Charles Melton, project coordinator for Straight Up Solar, explained:
The square footage for the solar panels is 250’
Offset 57% towards usage
Basic system to push energy to Ameren’s grid.
Will produce energy all day with sunlight.
The property in question has 2 lots at 2100 Fernwood.
6’ height range.
3’ x 5’ each panel, 12 solar panels.
Questions from commission:
Will be ground mounted, tilted panels facing south. Mr. Melton stated the spec sheets show the ground mounting slacking. The structure is safe.
It has a SMA inverter with a power back up supply.
2,000 watts for powering smaller items.
If no sun, no production; then Ameren’s power is used.
Composed of silicon wafers. Each one has cells. Framing will last over 30 years. Good from erosion.
Disposal? 25 year warranty, has been in business since 2006. There have been no disposed of at this time. They are being kept as long as the home is on the premises.
Wind damage of panel was discussed.
Are they hazardous waste? Mr. Melton said no.
What happens if a new owner doesn’t want them? Mr. Melton said they haven’t run across that yet. They are a full service company. Mr. Doerr is concerned about the waste.
Mike Harvey stated there is no hazardous materials involved.
Mr. Melton stated they operate in Madison County now, the Normal/Bloomington area, the Urbana/Champaign area, universities, the St Louis Zoo, high schools, residences, restaurants; all in Missouri and Illinois and in a couple of other countries. There has been no lawsuits to this date. Have had some damaged in tornadoes, but they are full service and they carry replacements in their warehouses. They have had no other problems to this date.
Mr. Doerr asked if the Municipal League has been contacted to see if they have an ordinance or recommendation regarding solar panels. Matt Asselmeier researched this when the ordinance was written 3 years ago, per Mike Harvey.
Special use permit needed for solar panels. It is a 4 page ordinance that Mr. Asselmeier prepared when he had his first request for roof mounted solar panels.
The special use permit is required so the Plan Commission can approve each individual case. This request has 6% shade; type and growth of trees is considered.
Deanna Barnes showed the location of the house with the lots. A special use permit stays with the property. The homeowner has the option to move the solar panels with them but a special use permit would be required for the new property.
Mike Harvey spoke with the electrical inspector for the city, Bud Hinners, and he stated the solar panels meet the requirements.
Ms Barnes read the attached memorandum.
Mr. Doerr stated he does not object to the solar panels, just has questions. He knows they are an “up-and-coming item”.
Disposal discussed.
Those in audience:
Frances Lamere, 328 Brentwood, questioned what happens with wind storms if the panels strike neighboring houses and cars? Home owner is required to have insurance policy for panels.
No one in audience in favor or in opposition of permit.
Mr. Melton will forward the MSDS regulations to the Plan Commission members.
Motion was made by Barry Clayton and seconded by Terry Dooley to close the public hearing. Vote was 7 to 0 in favor.
Motion was made by Gary Doerr and seconded by Barry Clayton for a special use permit for installation of a ground mounted, gried tied 3.84 kilowatt solar pv array at 2100 Fernwood, Alton, Illinois with the following restrictions and conditions:
The owners of the property shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Failure to comply with above restrictions and conditions may be interpreted as a failure to comply with regulations and restrictions of the special use permit. If this occurs, the City of Alton may revoke the special use permit under the procedures outlined in 11-11-4 (B).
Provide MCDS report to the city.
Vote was 7 to 0 in favor.
Adjourned 2:00 p.m.
https://www.cityofaltonil.com/minutes/6/2017-07-18%20Minutes.pdf
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