Laserfiche WebLink
Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final April 20, 2021 <br />Chairman Flescher opened the public hearing. <br />Senior Planner John Stoll utilized staffs memorandum dated April 9, 2021, and <br />a PowerPoint presentation to provide the special exception process, location <br />maps, site plans, vehicular access plan and landscape plan, related to FPL's <br />request for a major site plan and special exception use approval for a Private <br />Heavy Utility (FPL Grove Solar Energy Center). He stated that the Planning <br />and Zoning Commission recommended that the Board approve the major site <br />plan and special exception use request with the conditions recommended by <br />staff and accepted by the applicant. <br />Bart Gaetjens, Area External Affairs Manager with FPL, was present with Mr. <br />Christopher Fries, Project Director of Development with FPL, who provided <br />statistics regarding solar energy within the County and the State, and relayed <br />that upon approval, the simple -to -install project could begin in May 2021. <br />Vice Chairman O'Bryan inquired about the possibility of cattle grazing on the <br />land. Mr. Fries stated that cost would prohibit them from increasing the <br />elevation of the solar panels. Commissioner Earman was impressed by the <br />simplicity of the project. Chairman Flescher received confirmation from Mr. <br />Fries that the solar panels included an anti -glare coating. Commissioner Moss <br />announced that this would be the County's fourth solar energy generated facility <br />constructed by FPL. <br />County resident Dave Brown inquired about the solar panels' resilience during a <br />hurricane. Mr. Fries replied that the panels were built to the building code of <br />the area they were to be located. <br />Community Development Director Phil Matson stated his appreciation for the <br />applicant's quality proposal, and for County staff who worked extra hours to <br />ensure the project could happen in a timely fashion. He felt that the solar <br />facility was a good use for the land. <br />Chairman Flescher closed the public hearing. <br />A motion was made by Vice Chairman O'Bryan, seconded by Commissioner <br />Earman, to approve staffs recommendation. The motion carried by the <br />following vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman Flescher, Vice Chairman O'Bryan, Commissioner Adams, <br />Commissioner Earman, and Commissioner Moss <br />10.A.2. 21-0418 Public Hearing Regarding Sunnyside Up 1, LLC's Request to Rezone +/-40.25 <br />Acres From PDTND to RM -8 (RZON-2008050077-88741) — <br />(QUASI-JUDICIAL) <br />Indian River County Florida Page 8 <br />