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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final April 18, 2017 PROOF OF PUBLICATION OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR HEARING IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD. Each Commissioner, as requested by the Chairman, disclosed ex parte communications, site visits, or independent investigations. They also affirmed that they have an open mind and can base their decisions on the evidence presented and the applicable law. The Chairman opened the Public Hearing. The Deputy Clerk administered the Oath to all persons who wished to speak at the meeting. Stan Boling, Community Development Director, provided a PowerPoint Presentation detailing the special exception process, the overall location, the site plan, and project access routes for the FPL Blue Cypress Solar Energy Center. He clarified that the site plan does not include a sub -station; therefore, landscaping requirements would not apply. Attorney Bruce Barkett, representing Florida Power & Light (FPL), supported staff s recommendations and mentioned the submission of a preliminary report on the condition of the culverts. He stated that FPL would comply with any determinations made by the Public Works Department with regards to the report. A short discussion ensued between the Board and Attorney Barkett about the possible cumulative effects that a 74.5 megawatt solar energy center may have in the future, the condition and ownership of the culverts, and if the construction would interfere with the regular road grading maintenance schedule. Krista Hendricks, Solar Development Team, FPL, through a PowerPoint Presentation, gave information on the location, the installation requirements, and employment opportunities for the proposed solar energy center. She noted that the solar energy center would be virtually silent, emit no light at night, and that the solar panels sit quietly while harvesting emissions -free energy from the sun. She stated that the site is capable of generating enough electricity annually to power approximately 15,000 homes, and would help the State of Florida meet emissions goals. Bob Johnson, Coral Winds Subdivision, asked if FPL was tax exempt and what the benefit to the citizens in the County would be. Along with input from the Board and staff, Vice Chairman O'Bryan clarified that the exception was for special use for zoning purposes, not for a tax exemption. He clarified further that the facility would be placed on the tax roll at full value; would provide an increase in Ad Valorem revenue; and that the benefit to the citizens would be a reduced cost, zero -emissions energy source. Indian River County Florida Page 7