Kendall Co. Plan Consortium Minutes 2009 03-18-09 APPROVED
Kendall County Planning Consortium
March 19, 2009
Attendees:
Jim Griffin, Schain, Burney, Citron. Chris Morgart, Cemcon
Tom Thanas, Joliet Judy Sollinger, Oswego
Jim Tom, Joliet Jim Campbell, Oswego
Jim Haller, Joliet Don Marrone, Oswego
Kristen Gunderson, Joliet Ty Kowalewski, Yorkville
Dina Wisniewski, Yorkville Joe Wisniewski, Yorkville
Tom Kowalewski, Yorkville Edith McDonald, Oswego
Anne Lucietto, Yorkville Glen Schieberl, Minooka
Stephanie Boettcher, Yorkville Dan Wittenkeller, Minooka
Brian Homerding, Minooka Anna Kurtzman, Yorkville
Jeff Homerding, Minooka Rose Spears, Yorkville
June McCord, Plattville Gary Golinski, Yorkville
Betty Langeland, Plattville Sherry Underhill,Newark
Gary Underhill, Newark Jim Tom, Joliet planner
John Sterrett, Kendall Co. Bid. & Zoning Matt Schury, Kendall Co. Record
Chris Morgart, Cemcon
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by City Manager, Tom Thanas. He welcomed the
guests and thanked them for attending the consortium meeting in Joliet.
Anne Lucietto introduced attorney Jim Griffin from Schain, Burney, Ross and Citron, who is a
member of the Illinois Wind Working Group.
Mr. Griffin explained that wind turbine plans can be either for urban or single turbine uses. In
collar communities both usages could be visible. Wind turbines generate property taxes without
the need to offer a lot of services. Generally, large energy utility providers have 2-3 turbines and
produce 2-3 megawatts of energy. Each turbine costs 1-3 million, including installation and you
would see 1 turbine per 40-60 acre parcel. Their height is 300-450 feet and each covers
approximately %2 acre.
Counties can establish wind farm standards and regulate the siting of wind farms. Siting
jurisdiction is a special use in unincorporated areas not within 1.5 miles from the jurisdiction of
the municipality. Municipal statues, on the other hand, are granted within corporate limits and
1.5 miles beyond the limits. Both sitings requires public hearings and publication in the
newspaper.
Zoning ordinance "utility projects" are those intended to use the wholesale energy produced to
sell to power companies for resale to consumers.
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Ordinance provisions include zoning districts, road usage agreements (vehicle weights for
transportation of turbine pieces) and decommissioning, or tear-down of turbines no longer being
used. Improvements above the ground are usually removed, but depending on long term land
use, underground wiring and setup in the decommissioning is often times negotiated.
The life span of a unit is 20-30 years, and leases can be secured for as long as 20 years.
Extensions are negotiated. Mr. Griffin suggested that the line of credit for the units be re-visited
every 3-5 years.
The Illinois Pollution Control Board is the best regulator of noise complaints unless the city does
not believe this is enough protection, and language then can be added to the individual
ordinances.
Taxes are paid by the wind turbine owner, not the landowner. A plat is required for access roads
and the location of each unit. A PIN number is issued for each turbine. State law mandates
$360,000 per megawatt of nameplate capacity and current assessment is 1/3 of the turbine value.
There have been no reported problems by ice forming on turbines, or injury by breakage of a
turbine to the ground. Individual manufacturers of turbines are generally not mandated by a city.
Wind farms may be a deterrent to development,because of the unsightly-ness of the unit/s.
Farming can be continued as close as machinery allows next to fencing around the turbine. Any
"small" turbine permit fee would be determined by the city's building department. The long
term financial gains of wind energy produced by turbines is hard to access because the units are
extremely costly and it takes years to pay for a unit.
Anne Lucietto adjourned the meeting at 8:20 pm after Jim Griffin answered questions of the
attendees.
Minutes submitted by Annette Williams
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