LOCKE TOWNSHIP

PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES; PUBLIC HEARING SOLAR ORDINANCE

May 17, 2022 7:00 PM

LOCKE TOWNSHIP HALL, 3805 BELL OAK RD, WMSTN

1. Call to order and reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance: 7:00 p.m

2. Present: David Carlson, Matthew Flint, Sarah Lackey, Marcy Shepler, Ben Howard

3. Public Attendance: Bob Davis, Deanna Davis, Leo Sheets, Glenda Turner, Dorothy Hart, Marlene

4. Motion to approval agenda (Carlson, Lackey, motion passes)

5. Motion to approve April 19 minutes with (Flint; Shepler, motion passes)

6. Chairperson announces the open of the Public Hearing @ 7:02

• Public comment was brought forward with a concern on the exclusion of mirror systems.
• Public comment was brought forward concerning the height restriction on the solar panels.
• Public comment was brought forward concerning the height restriction on roof top solar panels. Public was concerned that the allowed footage above the roof was not sufficient for a roof top solar array.
• Public comment was brought forward about the fencing around the largest solar array.
• Public Comment was brought forth concerning the front yard screening of a solar array. Public Comment was brought forth concerning the setback; there was concern that the setback was too far, especially with the screening requirements.
• Public Comment was brought forth on the screening requirements, as sun provides solar and trees provide shade.

7. Chairperson announces the close of the Public Hearing @ 7:35

8. New Business:

a. Shepler discussed the reasoning of why the Solar & Wind Moratorium Ordinance was not adopted by Township Board. This decision was made with the attorney comments under consideration.

b. Deliberation/Discussion of Solar Amendments; after deliberations the Chairman has decided that the ordinance should be brought to a vote.

c. Motion to move the ordinance to the board for approval —(Carlson, Shepler):

Role call vote: Howard — Yes; Shepler — Yes; Carlson — Yes; Lackey — No; Flint – Yes

d. Discussion of Wind Information website email by LandPlan; the Planning Commission has decided to move forward with exploring possible changes to the Wind Ordinance.

e Shepler motioned to schedule a special meeting August 16, 2022 to continue the discussion of the possible changes to the Wind Ordinance, Flint, second. — Motion Passes

9. Unfinished Business

10. Concern/Comments of PC member, ZA, and Consultants — No comment

11. Public Comment— No comment

12. Meeting adjournment @ 8:19 p.m.