McHenry Times

McHenry County Staff Plat Review Committee met Aug. 1.

Here is the minutes provided by the Committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

Meeting called to order at: 8:34 AM by Dennis Sandquist.

PRESENT: Colletti, Wallen, Boeckmann, Sandquist, Moore, Beets ABSENT:

II. PUBLIC COMMENT

III. DRAFT MINUTES FOR APPROVAL

Staff Plat Review - Public Meeting - Jul 18, 2018 8:30 AM

Motion by Ms. Colletti, seconded by Mr. Wallen

RESULT: ACCEPTED BY VOICE

IV. SITE PLAN REVIEW

A. Harvard Solar I and Harvard Solar II/Nexamp Solar/Stricker Trust - Petition #2018-035

Present on behalf of Harvard Solar: Dan Veriotti, Engineer Matt Walsh, Nexamp Barton Pitts, Nexamp

MCDOT - Ray Beets Mr. Beets stated he had no comments. This project is on a township road.

STORMWATER - Joanna Colletti Ms. Colletti stated there may be drain tiles on the property. Mr. Veriotti stated they did a survey, and no drain tiles were found. Mr. Veriotti will get a copy of the drain tile report to Ms. Colletti.

Ms. Colletti stated in looking at the topography and the wetland delineation, the initial design was just on Harvard Solar 1, and it has expanded into Harvard Solar Farm Number II. The site plan should be revised to show the topography and wetland on all of Solar Farm two. The Wetland Determination Report will be modified to show those additional areas where work has been done. Ms. Colletti noted she will require a copy of the report to ensure all wetland buffers have been incorporated into the site plan.

ZONING - Darrell Moore

Mr. Moore mentioned they are applying for a variance for the fence. He stated one of the conditions of the UDO is that onsite power lines shall be placed underground to the maximum extent possible. Mr. Moore stated their diagram shows six poles for each facility (for a total of 12). The poles are about 30 feet apart and total almost 400 feet of overhead lines running parallel with the road. It is his understanding that four poles are the minimum number required for a ComEd connection. He asked the applicants how they think this meets the Ordinance.

Mr. Veriotti stated all of these will probably be construction in the right of way. He said for a project of this size, they may not require four, but maybe three. He added it may change at permitting time. He stated they are showing what they think is an average number, and they feel it is safer and easier for maintenance.

Mr. Moore pointed out the way it is drawn is not in the right of way. It was noted the poles will mostly be on the property, but they have to cross over Route 173 to make the interconnection. ComEd is in the review phase of the project, and they will make the determination if they need another pole.

Mr. Moore mentioned the applicant should point this out to the Zoning Board of Appeals they should expect other requirements.

BUILDING - Adam Wallen Mr. Wallen stated one of the things the building department reviews is the fire apparatus access roads. The Harvard Fire District would have final say of the overall clear width of the access roads. Mr. Wallen asked about the T- turnaround on the site plan that parallels Route 173.

It was noted the T- turnaround will be maintained, and the main purpose is for ease of maintenance for trucks to get in.

Mr. Wallen stated they will want to coordinate with Harvard Fire District. They have looked at 20 - foot clear width from the gate access to road access all the way to the inverter. Beyond that, they do not think a fire truck would need to go any further, but an ambulance might which would be 12 feet around the entire site.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT - Kelli Boeckmann Ms. Boeckmann had no comments. There is no well or septic on the property.

Motion by Mr. Wallen, seconded by Ms. Colletti to accept the Harvard Solar site plan subject to adding the wetland buffers, communicating with the Harvard Fire District regarding their requirements and then submitting it to Moore for review prior to going to the Zoning Board of Appeals.

All members voted aye, motion passed.

V. STATUS UPDATE

Mr. Moore noted that Shabadoo Solar Farm was continued from the July County Board meeting to the August meeting. He added they may be preparing additional information as they sort out potential water site engineering issues.

VI. MEMBER COMMENTS

VII. ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mr. Beets, seconded by Ms. Boeckman to adjourn. All members voted aye, motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:27 a.m.

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