Sheridan Township Planning Commission
Public Hearing and Regular meeting
Sheridan Township Hall
September 18 , 2024 - 7:02 p.m.
Planning Commission present: Rick Offerson (Chair), Sally Jackson (Vice Chair), Scott Frederick, Chip Hanlon, Peggy Vogt
Staff: David Martin, Zoning Administrator
Guests: Buzz Becker, Angie Burke of Pivot Energy
See attached list of residents attending*
Purpose: Request for a Conditional Land Use Permit for a vacant parcel at H Drive, N. (parcel #19-090-00). Pivot Energy is seeking a (CUP) pursuant to Section 4.03R (Conditional Uses) to allow a Large Solar Energy System in the AA (Agricultural District). The applicant is proposing a 5 megawatt ground mounted solar facility.
The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to accept the Agenda as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to accept the minutes of the August 1 meeting as presented. Motion passed unanimously.
Public Hearing opened 7:15 p.m.
Buzz Becker and Angie Burke of Pivot Energy based in Colorado, presented a slide show of the background of Pivot Energy, photos of solar energy facilities in out-of-state locations and describing their operations. This included a concept new to our township of using sheep for weed control. They answered questions from Planning members along the way.
The floor was opened for resident questions/concerns:
(Q) Kathy Parshall: How will road repairs be handled during construction? (A) Repairs will be the responsibility of the Calhoun County Road Commission. (Q) How will residents benefit? (A) Power will be sent to Consumers Energy (Pivot has an agreement pending) and will be used to service homes and businesses in this area. (Q) How long will Pivot use the property and will they expand? (A) The Ordinance prohibits expansion or changes without the Township approval and submission of a new site plan. (Q) What about stray voltage affecting animals and defibrillators? (A) There has currently been no detection of stray voltage. Pivot monitors outages remotely. Pivot could provide technical equipment to the Township for monitoring, if needed.
(Q) Bradley Mapes: What happens when the system goes down for maintenance? (A) There is an automated system electrician on duty. There is monitoring 24/7 and the system will shut down automatically if a problem is detected. Pivot has safeguards in place as will the utilities.
(Q) Kathy Parshall: What will be the direction of the lines? (A) East
(Q) Bradley Mapes: Will this be 3 megawatts? (A) Pivot is approved for 5 megs but will only do 3. Commented that he would like to see Union workers contracted for this project.
Larry Brown: Commented that he approves of the Pivot Energy plan.
Sheridan Township Planning Commission
Public Hearing closed at 7:45 p.m.
Regular meeting opened at 7:46 p.m.
Correspondence: (1) Received information from Pivot Energy;* (2) Received information re: lithium batteries; (3) Received information re: renewable energy, including wind and battery storage systems.
New Business: Brady Friss of Ranger Power plans to attend the October 3 meeting of the Planning Commission and will have information re: electrical battery storage systems.
Township Board Report: Frederick reported that: (1) the Township Board approved a 5-year contract for a law enforcement deputy; (2) will purchase a new vehicle for the deputy; (3) has purchased exercise equipment for the fire department.
Zoning Administrator: No hearings or activity to report at this time.
Upcoming Business: Commissioners are to read the handout in their folders re: a U of M ordinance, Sec. 3, Wind Energy, and be prepared to discuss at the October 3 meeting. Also be prepared to discuss feasibility of a gravel pit and mining operation ordinance.
Public Hearing: Commissioners held a discussion re: the information received during the hearing held earlier in the meeting. Items covered were the sheep, electrical fencing, the value of the decommissioning bond with an expected start development date in 2026.
A motion was made by Frederick to recommend the approval of the Conditional Use Permit for land use for solar energy to Pivot Energy to the Township Board noting that further information re: the animals, electrical fencing, bond value and information of the capacity of the solar field output is needed. Motion seconded by Jackson. Roll call vote: Frederick, yes; Jackson, yes; Offerson, yes; Hanlon, yes; Vogt, yes.
Discussion re: Public Hearing ended 8:25 p.m.
Adjournment: A motion was made by Frederick; seconded by Jackson, to adjourn. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.
Minutes submitted by
Peggy Vogt, Secretary
Sheridan Township Planning Commission
Rick Offerson, Chair
Sheridan Township Planning Commission
Minutes approved at the meeting of the Sheridan Township Planning Commission 10/3/24.
*Copies of items referenced in these minutes are available in the Township Clerk's Office.
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