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pk/ A. <br /> ( ITEM 5.2 <br /> • -:-.' <br /> MEMORANDUM <br /> City of v w TO: PLANNING COMMISSION <br /> Elk ,,. River FROM: STEPHEN ROHLF, BUILDING AND <br /> ZONING ADMINISTRATOR S'k <br /> DATE: SEPTEMBER 26, 2000 <br /> SUBJECT: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR <br /> METRO WIND, LLC <br /> CASE # CU 00-35/P.H. <br /> Request <br /> Metro Wind, a Minnesota based company, is proposing to construct a wind turbine with a <br /> maximum capacity of 660 kW. Wind turbines are a conditional use in the A-1/ <br /> Agricultural Zone. <br /> Attachments <br /> Vicinity map, site plan, and narrative supplied by Metro Wind. <br /> Site <br /> The proposed site for the wind turbine, owned in trust by Ernest and Doris Toth, is zone <br /> III <br /> A-1/Agricultural. The site is open and without wetlands. A vicinity map and legal <br /> description of the property are included in the information supplied by Metro Wind, <br /> which is attached to this memo. The site is located just east of US Trunk Highway 169 <br /> north of 225th Avenue. <br /> Staff's Review <br /> Metro Wind has done a good job of describing their wind turbine in their narrative. The <br /> turbine will set atop of a tubular monopole with access through the center via a secured <br /> door. The associated transformer will be in a fenced enclosure. No trees or wetlands will <br /> are required to be disturbed for the construction of the wind turbine. When one of the <br /> three blades is pointing upward, the maximum height is 237 feet. <br /> The wind turbine will roughly produce enough electricity for 75 to 100 homes a year, <br /> depending on how windy it is. Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) will wheel the <br /> electricity (carry it through their transmission lines) and it will ultimately be part of <br /> Northern States Power's "Green Power" efforts. ERMU already has the necessary <br /> transmission lines in the area of the wind turbine. <br /> A warning siren is needed in the general area of the proposed wind turbine. The Elk <br /> River Fire Department is working with Metro Wind regarding hanging this siren on the <br /> wind turbine's tower. <br /> Ill <br /> 13065 Orono Parkway • P.O. Box 490 • Elk River, MN 55330 • TDD & Phone (763) 441-7420 • Fax (763) 441-7425 <br />