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2017-01-10 MINUTES 1 <br /> <br />COMMISSIONERS’ MINUTES <br />KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON <br />COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM <br />ELLENSBURG, WASHINGTON <br /> <br />TUESDAY 6:00 P.M. JANUARY 10, 2017 <br /> <br />Board members present: Chairman Paul Jewell, Vice-Chairman <br />Laura Osiadacz and Commissioner Obie O’Brien. <br />Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Jeff Watson, Staff <br />Planner, Dan Carlson, Community Development Services Director; <br />Doc Hansen, Planning Official; and approximately 20 members of <br />the public. <br />SPECIAL MEETING IRON HORSE SOLAR FARM CUP CDS <br />At 6:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN JEWELL opened the Closed Record Hearing <br />continued from December 20, 2016 to consider the Hearing <br />Examiners recommendation on the Iron Horse Solar Farm <br />Conditional Use Permit (CU-15-00006). The Board members provided <br />disclosures and there were no objections or concerns expressed. <br /> <br />JEFF WATSON, STAFF PLANNER provided a Staff Report and reviewed <br />the research they conducted as previously requested by the Board <br />relating to noise, fencing, and a decommissioning plan. The <br />Board asked Staff questions and for additional clarification <br />relating to the proposed project. <br /> <br />COMMISSIONER OSIADACZ explained the additional research she did <br />within the WAC’s and County Code relating to the definition of <br />agricultural zones and utilities. She said there was nothing in <br />the application which would limit the applicant from having <br />another solar site located on his acreage and was concerned <br />about having nothing in place to protect the County. She <br />expressed the reasons why she would not be voting in favor of <br />the project. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN referenced the County Code, <br />definitions, and preserving rural character. He said after <br />further research of the proposed project he felt it was not <br />compatible and did not meet the criteria for approval. CHAIRMAN <br />JEWELL said he read the entire record and even though he has <br />concerns with the project in the particular area, he felt the <br />County did not have cause, given the ability to apply <br />conditions, to deny the application at this time. He reviewed <br />the County’s compliance with the Growth Management Act; <br />Development Regulations; and the County Code. He said the