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HomeMy WebLinkAbout20140241.tiff RESOLUTION RE: APPROVE PARTIAL VACATION OF USE BY SPECIAL REVIEW PERMIT, USR-1723 -CEDAR CREEK II, LLC, C/O BP WIND ENERGY NORTH AMERICA, INC. WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, pursuant to Colorado statute and the Weld County Home Rule Charter, is vested with the authority of administering the affairs of Weld County, Colorado, and WHEREAS, by Resolution dated May 19, 2010, the Board approved the request of Cedar Creek II Wind Farm, c/o BP Wind Energy North America, Inc., 700 Louisiana, 33rd Floor, Houston, Texas 77002 for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit#1723 for a Major Facility of a Public Utility (a wind energy facility with a generating capacity up to 250.8 megawatts (MW) along with a 230-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line, an interconnection facility to tie into an existing 72-mile transmission line, existing collector transmission lines, up to five (5) permanent 80-meter meteorological towers, one (1) substation, an operations and maintenance building/facility, along with one (1) temporary batch plant and construction facility) in the A (Agricultural) Zone District, on the following described real estate, being more particularly described as follows: Wind Energy Facility: Section 6, Township 10 North, Range 57 West; Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Township 10 North, Range 58 West; Sections 5, 6, 8, 17, Township 11 North, Range 56 West; Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, Township 11 North, Range 57 West; Sections 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 25, 27, 34, 36, Township 11 North, Range 58 West; Sections 28, 32, 33, Township 12 North, Range 56 West; and Sections 34, 36, Township 12 North, Range 57 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County Colorado Transmission Line: Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Township 10 North, Range 58 West; Sections 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, Township 10 North, Range 59 West; Sections 5, 6, Township 10 North, Range 59 West; Section 2, Township 10 North, Range 60 West; Section 7, Township 11 North, Range 57 West; Sections 12, 13, 24, 25, 36, Township 11 North, Range 58 West; Sections 31, 32, Township 11 North, Range 59 West; and Sections 35, 36, Township 11 North, Range 60 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado WHEREAS, the Board has received a request from Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc., in conjunction with agreement from Cedar Creek II Wind Farm, c/o BP Wind Energy North America, Inc., to vacate a 20-acre portion of said Use by Special Review Permit, USR-1723, located in the W1/2 of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado, and 4185472 Pages: 1 of 2 03/03/2016 01:41 PM R Fees, Clerk and :$0.00 ■III Carly I i'I�I N I tVier l ILN.I County, N, lyi, 1I II I 2014-0241 PL2059 PARTIAL VACATION OF USR-1723 - CEDAR CREEK II WIND FARM, C/O BP WIND ENERGY NORTH AMERICA, INC. PAGE 2 WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners heard all of the testimony and statements of those present, studied the request of the applicant and the recommendations of the Department of Planning Services staff and all of the exhibits and evidence presented in this matter and, having been fully informed, deems it advisable to approve said partial vacation, conditional upon the following: 1. Pursuant to Section 23-2-200.G.5 of the Weld County Code, the applicant shall submit a revised plat showing the new configuration, titled "Partial Vacation of Use by Special Review Permit, USR-1723, conforming to Section 23-2-260.D of the Weld County Code. 2. The applicant shall record the plat for USR13-0054. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of Weld County, Colorado, that Use by Special Review Permit, USR-1723, be, and hereby is, partially vacated, with the abovementioned condition. The above and foregoing Resolution was, on motion duly made and seconded, adopted by the following vote on the 27th day of January, A.D., 2014. BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ��...��WELD COUNTY COLORADO ATTEST: . J I Q42- km' "-4; las Rademach r, hair Weld County Clerk to the Boa - r 1 I k ?;:�; .�r . •S 14i411g •ara Kirkmeyer, ro-Tem De Clerk to the Board Sean P. Conway APP AS M: Mike Freeman n y Attorney Wil iam F. Garcia Date of signature: 4185472 Pages: 2 of 2 03/03/2016 01:41 PM R Fee:$0.00 Carly Koppes, Clerk and Recjrder, Weld County, CO ■III I�l�.r�III�N lil'I 'I �W��I�I'WON 'Mali, BI II I 2014-0241 PL2059 MEMORANDUM To: Board of County Commissioners r86r r 1 From: Kim Ogle, Planning Services • �- t, Sub• ject: Partial Vacation of USR-1723 .COUNTY 1 Cedar Creek II Wind Farm BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. Date: January 27, 2014 The Department of Planning Services has received the attached letter dated December 19, 2013 from H. Steven Gray, Manager, Land Rights Acquisition for Tri-State Generation and Transmission, Inc., requesting the partial vacation of a twenty (20) acre parcel of land created via Recorded Exemption No. RECX13-0117 and located in the West one-half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado. This land is currently encumbered by the Special Use Permit No. 1723 for BP Energy, Inc. who has a 230 kV transmission line crossing the northern 100 feet of this Section. This request comes as a condition of approval for the pending USR13-0054, a Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility -- Two (2) 115kv Transmission Lines extending approximately 24.7 miles and Two (2) Substations — Keota Substation at the west terminal and Redtail Substation at the east terminal, and one (1) 250 foot Communication Tower located at the Keota Substation in the A (Agricultural) Zone District. The applicant has submitted evidence of correspondence between Tri-State and Mr. Eric Stidman representative for BP Energy concerning this request, dating back to late November 2013. Mr. Stidman has had conversations with the Planning office concerning this issue on November 8, December 3, and December 20, 2013 and January 3, 2014 and has also corresponded by electronic mail on November 14 and December 5, 2013. In conversation with Mr. Stidman, acting on behalf of BP Energy, Inc. Mr. Stidman verbally has indicated a willingness to be an active participant in this partial vacation process. Further, Counsel for BP Energy and outside Counsel on retainer has and continues to have discussion with Tri-State regarding this request. Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Nelson, Nelson Ranches Inc. have indicated in writing that the request by Tri-State is supported by Nelson Ranches as current property owner. Background information January 22, 2009 Grant of Easement and Easement Agreement for Transmission Facilities, signed by Nelson Ranches, Inc. and BP Wind Energy North America, Inc.for an easement described as the North100 feet oLthe West one-half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the r P.M.,Weld County Colorado. The document was recorded via Reception No. 3600880 2014-0241 May 19, 2010 Board of County Commissioners approved USR-1723 for a Site Specific Development Plan and Use by Special Review Permit for a Major Facility of a Public Utility(A wind energy facility with a generating capacity up to 250.5 megawatts (MW) along with a 230-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line, an interconnection facility to tie into an existing 72-mile transmission line, existing collector transmission lines, up to three permanent 80-meter meteorological towers, one (1) substation, an operations and maintenance building/facility, and one (1)temporary batch plant and construction facility) in the A(Agricultural) Zone District. November 24, 2010 The USR-1723 Plats recorded via Reception No. 3734501 The Department of Planning Services is recommending approval of this partial vacation of the Nelson Ranches, Inc. for a parcel of land located in the West one-half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado more specifically described as Lot A of RECX13-0117 located in the SW4SW4SWS4 of Section 8, being a 20 acre parcel of land, pending Plat recordation of RECX13-0117. This recommendation is presented for approval as the proposed parcel does not impact the transmission line easement located south of and adjacent to County Road 120 on a Transmission Line Easement of 100 feet in width. Enclosures: Tri-State Generation and Transmission letter dated December 19,2013 Cedar Creek Wind Farm and Transmission Line Plot Plan dated November 24,2010 Cedar Creek Wind Farm and Transmission Line Plot Plan dated November 24, 2010 delineating 20 acre partial vacation of lands per this request for consideration Cedar Creek Wind Farm and Transmission Line Plot Plan dated November 24, 2010 delineating 20 acre partial vacation of lands and 100 foot easement for Transmission Line and Transmission Facilities, per this request for consideration Letter of Authorization from Ms. Cathy Nelson, Secretary/Owner on behalf of Nelson Ranches dated September 18,2013 Grant of Easement and Easement Agreement for Transmission Facilities between Nelson Ranches and BP Wind Energy North America, Inc.dated January 22,2009 Correspondence from Mr.and Mrs.Nelson of Nelson Ranches supporting Tri-State's request Sent Electronically to: Eric Stidman, BP Energy, Inc. Eric.Stidman6bo.com Steve Gray, Tri-State G&T sgrav itrlstateat.orq Selina Koler,Tri-State G&T skoleretristategt.orq Nelson Ranches, Inc. Documents sent January 20,2014 Esther Gesick From: Gray, Steve[sgray@tristategt.org] Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 3:47 PM To: Kim Ogle Cc: Koler, Selina; 'Stidman, Eric B.'; Esther Gesick; Karla Ford Subject: RE: REQUEST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING 1.27.2014 Attachments: image001.jpg Thanks Kim. Tri-State will attend the hearing in support of the request. Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone Original message From: Kim Ogle Date:01/20/2014 2:30 PM (GMT-07:00) To: "Gray, Steve" Cc: "Koler, Selina" ," 'Stidman, Eric B. '" ,Esther Gesick ,Karla Ford ,Kim Ogle Subject: REQUEST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING 1.27.2014 Good afternoon, Nelson Ranches Inc. , are requesting a Board of County Commissioners hearing on Monday January 27, 2014 for the purpose of hearing a request to partially vacate a 20 acre parcel of land from the existing Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit number USR-1723, BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. Please let me know if there is a conflict with the request. Thank you. Kind regards, Kim Kim Ogle Planner III Department of Planning 1555 North 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Direct: 970.353.6100 x 3549 Office: 970.353.6100 x 3540 Facsimile: 970.304.6498 [Logo 2012 Color] Confidentiality Notice: This electronic transmission and any attached documents or other writings are intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify sender by return e-mail and destroy the communication. Any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any 1 Esther Gesick From: Stidman, Eric B. [Eric.Stidman@bp.com] Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 4:21 PM To: Kim Ogle; Gray, Steve Cc: Koler, Selina; Esther Gesick; Karla Ford Subject: RE: REQUEST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING 1.27.2014 Kim, We are in the process of formulating a response to this request to make sure the Cedar Creek II, LLC's rights are protected in this process. Thanks, Eric From: Kim Ogle [mailto:kogle@co.weld.co.us] Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 3:25 PM To: 'Gray, Steve' Cc: 'Koler, Selina'; Stidman, Eric B.; Esther Gesick; Karla Ford; Kim Ogle Subject: REQUEST BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS HEARING 1.27.2014 Good afternoon, Nelson Ranches Inc., are requesting a Board of County Commissioners hearing on Monday January 27, 2014 for the purpose of hearing a request to partially vacate a 20 acre parcel of land from the existing Site Specific Development Plan and Special Review Permit number USR-1723, BP Wind Energy North America, Inc. Please let me know if there is a conflict with the request. Thank you. Kind regards, Kim Kim Ogle Planner III Department of Planning 1555 North 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 Direct: 970.353.6100 x 3549 Office: 970.353.6100 x 3540 Facsimile:970.304.6498 t j fi .1.4 Leif January 20, 2014 Weld County Board of County Commissioners c/o Mr. Kim Ogle Planning and Building Department 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 RE: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Redtail Substation Project Dear Mr. Ogle, As the owner of the West half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6" PM,Weld County Colorado,Nelson Ranches, Inc. requests removal of USR-1723 from the South 950 feet of the West 950 feet of that section in support of the application of Tri- State Generation and Transmission Association for a land use permit to build an electrical substation there. Sincerely, Nelson Ranches, Inc. ecv:4 71(ted...61-24-- a TRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC. 1100 W. 116TH AVENUE• P.O. BOX 33695• DENVER,COLORADO 80233 •303.452-6111 December 19, 2013 Weld County Board of County Commissioners c/o Mr. Kim Ogle Planning and Building Department 1555 N. 17th Ave. Greeley, CO 80632 RE: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Redtail Substation Project Dear Mr. Ogle, As you know, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. needs to construct a new electrical substation to be known as the Redtail Substation to serve growing loads in northeast Weld County. Tri-State holds a contract for the purchase of 20 acres of property for that purpose in the West half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6th PM, Weld County Colorado. The "Property' is described as the south 950 feet of the west 950 feet of Section 8. Tri-State filed an application for a Recorded Exemption (RECX13-0117) associated with the Property on October 7, 2013. All of Section 8 is currently encumbered by Use by Special Review Permit No. USR-1723 associated with the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm and Transmission Line (the "USR") held by BP Energy ("BP"). The administrative approval of the Recorded Exemption requires Tri-State to seek removal of the USR from the Property. County staff and Tri-State staff have contacted BP and requested Its cooperation in removing the Property from the USR, but have received neither an agreement nor any objection to such removal by BP. Upon information and belief, County staff spoke to the BP representative by telephone in November of 2013. Tri-State staff contacted the same BP representative by email on November 20, 2013. On December 5, 2013, BP requested additional information which was provided by Tri-State the same day. Tri-State contacted BP by email again on December 13 and by telephone on December 18, 2013. As of today's date, BP has not responded. Because of the failure of BP to timely respond to its request, Tri-State must unilaterally move the Board of County Commissioners, on behalf of itself and Nelson Ranches, Inc. (the current owner of the Property)to remove the USR from the Property in order to meet its schedule and its obligations to its members. In support of Its motion, Tri-State submits that the removal of the USR from the Property will have no impact upon BP, or the Cedar Creek II Wind Farm and Transmission Line. The Property lies over two miles from the nearest wind turbine as shown on the USR Plat. Indeed, the Property is not within the "Wind Energy Facility" portion of the platted area at all, Section 8 is included only within the "Transmission Line" portion of the platted area (See USR Plat Page 2). The transmission line referenced in the USR Plat (and BP's associated easement) is limited to the north 100 feet of section 8 (See USR Plat Page 16). The north boundary of the Property is over 4,000 feet south of the transmission line. BP has built nothing in any portion of the Property, and the USR Plat identifies no proposed improvements on or near the Property. Presumably no improvements could be built there by BP without an amendment to the USR. Tri-State has filed an application for a 1041 land use permit associated with Its proposed substation. It plans to present its request to the Board of County Commissioners early in 2014. Removal of the existing USR from the Property will allow the permitting process to move forward without impacting the ability of BP to continue to operate its wind farm and transmission line. Therefore, Tri-State respectfully requests removal of USR-1723 from the South 950 feet of the West 950 feet of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6th P.M., Weld County, Colorado, as shown on the attached plat, and requests that a hearing be held before the Board of County Commissioners as soon as is practicable. Sincerely, 'Nana LanpRights Acquisition Tri-State G -oration and Transmission Association, Inc. Cc: Eric Stidman, BP Energy Nelson Ranches, Inc. Encl: USR-1723 Plot Plat, Page 2 and 16 USR-1723 Plot Plat, Page 2 with proposed amendment Landowner Letter of Authorization from Nelson Ranches, Inc. to Tri-State A Touchstone EnugfC oo{Kntive 4> OTRI-STATE GENERATION AND TRANSMISSION ASSOCIATION, INC. 1100 W. 116TH AVENUE• P.O. BOX 33695 • DENVER, COLORADO 80233 • 303-452-6111 Nelson Ranches, Inc. 58900 CR 382 Grover, CO 80729 RE: Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. Keota Substation Project Dear Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, As you know, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc. needs to construct a new electrical substation to be known as the Redtail Substation on property that you currently own in the West half of Section 8, Township 10 North, Range 58 West of the 6'h PM, Weld County Colorado. Tri-State needs to obtain land use permits and other permits related to development of the substation from Weld County. Because Trl-State is the applicant for aft such permits, but is not yet the owner of the property, Weld County requires your authorization as the owner of the property to allow Tri-State to apply for and pursue all such permits. Please acknowledge your consent by signing this letter where indicated below. Thank you for your assistance. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 303-254-3649. Sincerely, H. Steven Gray Manager, Land Rights Acquisition Approved and agreed to as set forth herein. By: ( p742 C - i Name:: Ce tic e scV Title: 5 i-c av-y / eD Ev v c,r- Date: 9 /eP/ 3 ATaudumne Ennp✓Ccopendve Kt> 111111111111111111111111111111111111111 I I 11111111111111 3600880 01/22/2009 02:45P Weld County, CO 880 1 of 10 R 51.00 0 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk& Recorder For Recorder's Use Only Recording Requested B3 and When Recorded Return to: Land Manager BP Wind Engrg%North America inc. 700 Louisiana. 33`I Floor Houston.TX 77002 (713)354.2130 GRANT OF EASEMENT AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRANSMISSION FACILITIES THIS GRANT OF EASEMENT AND EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR TRANSMISSION FACILITIES(this"Agreement")is made,dated and effective as of January 7, 2009(the"Effective Date"), between Nelson Ranches, Inc. ([collectively, and ]including its/his/her/their executors, representatives, heirs, successors and assigns, "grantor"), and BP Wind Energy North America Inc.,a Virginia corporation("Grantee"). Grantor is the sole owner of certain property located in Weld County, Colorado, as more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made part hereof(the"Property"). I. Grant of Transmission Easement. For good and valuable consideration, the legal sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged by Grantor,Grantor hereby grants to Grantee and its successors and assigns, an exclusive easement ("Transmission Easement") on, along,over,under and across a portion of the Property one hundred(100)feet wide(such portion of the Property,the "Easement Area" as more particularly described in Exhillitli attached hereto and made part hereof), for the right to erect, construct, reconstruct, replace, remove, maintain and use the following from time to time a line of towers or poles, with such wires and cables as from time to time are suspended therefrom, andior underground wires and cables, for the transmission of electrical energy and/or for communication purposes, and all necessary and proper foundations, footings, crossarms and other appliances and fixtures for use in connection with said towers, poles, wires and cables on, along, over, under and across the Easement Area. The Easement Area may exceed 100 feet in width by up to 50 feet in limited situations to the extent reasonably necessary to accommodate guy wires needed to enable a transmission line to turn a corner. Said towers, poles, wires, cables, foundations, footings, crossarms, appliances, fixtures, facilities and rights-of-way are herein collectively called the"Transmission Facilities." 2. Payment. In consideration of the rights granted hereunder, Grantee agrees to pay Grantor the amounts set forth in the Fee Schedule attached hereto("Fee Schedule"). 3. Construction Activities. During the construction of the Transmission Facilities, Grantee may use for construction purposes an additional fifty (50) feet of land in total on either or both sides of the Easement Area Grantee will use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize surface disturbance on the portion of the Property lying outside of the Easement Area during construction. Grantee shall notify Grantor of the commencement and completion of HO1.103 1153404.5 Page I of9 _Igni11111111111111111 EMI MHOS IIII ., 3600880 01/22/2009 02:45P Weld County, CO 2 of 10 R 51.00 D 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk& Recorder construction. 4. Access. The Transmission Easement is also for the right of ingress to and egress from Transmission Facilities (whether located on the Property or elsewhere), over and along the Property by means of roads and lanes thereon if existing, or otherwise by such route or routes as Grantee may construct from time to time, provided, however, that Grantee shall consult with Landowner on the location of any such roads and lanes prior to their construction. Grantee shall also have the right to maintain and improve such roads and lanes. 5. Term and Termination. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement,the term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue in perpetuity unless earlier terminated by Grantee by written notice to Grantor. An "Event of Default" shall exist under this Agreement if: (a) Grantee fails to pay Grantor the post-construction payment that is due in the attached Fee Schedule after commencement of construction of the Transmission Facilities on the Property by the earlier of (i) the thirtieth (30th) day after commencement of construction or (ii) December 31, 2018 (the "P.yment Expiration Date") or (b) Grantee defaults in the performance of any other covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement and (c) either such default in (a) and (b) hereof continues uncured for a period of sixty (60) days after written notice thereof from Grantor to Grantee, unless such default cannot be reasonably cured within such sixty (60)-day period, in which case no Event of Default shall exist if Grantee, within such sixty (60)- day period, commences to cure such default and thereafter prosecutes the cure of such default in good faith and with due diligence. Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Grantor may terminate this Agreement by recording in the Real Property Records of the county in which the Property is located("County Records")a declaration stating that this Agreement has terminated by reason of the occurrence of an Event of Default. Upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement, Grantee shall promptly de-energize any electrical lines or facilities in, on or over the Easement Area, remove the Transmission Facilities from the surface of the Easement Area, and restore said surface to approximately the same condition as the Easement Area was in on the Effective Date. 6. Assignment. Grantee may assign this Agreement or its rights with respect to the Transmission Easement, in whole or in part, without the need for Grantor's consent. This Agreement shall run with the land. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit ot; and be binding upon, Grantor and Grantee and their respective transferees, heirs, successors and assigns and all persons claiming under them. 7 Compliance with Laws. Grantee shall comply with all laws, regulations and rules governing the erection, construction, reconstruction, replacement, removal, maintenance and use of the Transmission Facilities. 8. Costs. All costs and expenses incident to the erection, construction, reconstruction, replacement, removal, maintenance and use of the Transmission Facilities including the trimming and cutting of any trees and underbrush shall be borne by Grantee. 11O1'03.1153404.3 Page 2 0f 9 111111 1111 IIIIII 111111 IIII 11111111111 III 11111 IIII IIII �. 3500880 01/2212009 02:46P Weld County, CO 3 of 10 R 51.00 D 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk&Recorder 9. Grantor's Right to Use the Easement Area. Grantor retains the right to use the Property, including the Easement Area,for all purposes not inconsistent with the rights granted to Grantee by this Agreement. 10. Indemni y. (a) Grantee shall, at all times, save and hold harmless and indemnify Grantor, its officers, partners, agents, contractors and employees, from and against all losses, damages, expenses, claims, demands, suits and actions, including, but not limited to, all claims for personal injuries and property damage outside the Easement Area, to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Grantee, its officers, partners, agents, contractors and employees. (b) Grantor shall, at all times, save and hold harmless and indemnify Grantee, its officers, partners, agents, contractors and employees, from and against all losses, damages, expenses, claims, demands, suits and actions, including, but not limited to, all claims for personal injuries and property damage within the Easement Area, to the extent caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Grantor, its officers, partners, agents,contractors and employees. II. Maintenance. Grantee shall have the right to make all foreseen and unforeseen and ordinary and extraordinary changes and repairs which may be required to the Transmission Facilities, and to maintain and keep the Easement Area in good order, repair and condition, including but not limited to trimming, cutting and removing trees and underbrush anywhere on the Property as reasonably necessary if any limbs, branches or other parts are within the Easement Area, When Grantee performs such maintenance activities, Grantee shall remove all debris created (such as, but not limited to, tree limbs, underbrush, etc.) and dispose of such debris offsite. 12. Financing. 12.1 Grantee may collaterally assign, mortgage or otherwise encumber its interest in this Agreement to a Financing Party (as hereinafter defined) under a Mortgage (as hereinafter defined). The term "Financing Party" means any institution (including any trustee or agent of behalf of such institution) providing debt or other financing to Grantee or its successors or assigns. The term"Mortgage" shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, deed to secure debt or other security instrument by which Grantee's interest under this Agreement is mortgaged, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred to secure a debt or other obligation to a Financing Party. Each Financing Party who provides notice to Grantor of its Mortgage shall be referred to as"Mortgagee." 12.2 So long as any Mortgage remains in effect, this Agreement shall not be modified, and Grantor shall not accept a surrender of the Property or a termination or release of this Agreement prior to the expiration of the term hereof; without the prior consent of all Mortgagees. 12.3 Grantor,upon providing Grantee any notice of(i) default under this Agreement or(ii) termination of this Agreement, shall at the same time provide a copy of such notice to each Mortgagee. Such Mortgagee shall have the same period, after the giving of such notice, for remedying any default or causing the same to be remedied (but shall have no obligation to remedy or cause the remedy of any default), as is given Grantee after the giving of such notice to Grantee to remedy the default specified in any such notice. Grantor shall accept such performance by or at 110110.1 115341)4 5 Page 3 of 9 1 111111 11111 111111 111111 11111111111111 III 1111111111111 3800890 01/2212009 02:45P Weld County, CO 4 of 10 R 51.00 0 0,00 Steve Moreno Clerk 3 Recorder the instigation of such Mortgagee as if the same had been done by Grantee. 12.4 Grantor shall execute such estoppel certificates (certifying as to such matters as Grantee may reasonably request, including, without limitation, that no default then exists under this Agreement to Grantor's knowledge, if such be the case) and/or consents to assignment and/or non-disturbance agreements as Grantee or any Mortgagee may reasonably request from time to time. 12.5 In case of the termination of this Agreement as a result of any default or the bankruptcy, insolvency or appointment of a receiver in bankruptcy for Grantee, Grantor shall give prompt notice to the Mortgagees. Grantor shall, upon written request of the first priority Mortgagee, made within forty (40) days after notice to such Mortgagee, enter into a new easement agreement with such Mortgagee, or its designee, within twenty (20) days after the receipt of such request. Such new easement agreement shall be effective as of the date of the termination of this Agreement by reason of default by Grantee, and shall be for a term equal to the remainder of the term of this Agreement and upon the same terms, covenants, conditions and agreements as contained in this Agreement. Upon the execution of any such new easement agreement, the Mortgagee shall agree in writing to perform or cause to be performed all of the covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement to be performed by Grantee to the extent that Grantee failed to perform the same prior to the execution and delivery of the new easement agreement. 13. Grant to Utility. Grantee shall have the right to grant to any utility the right to construct, operate and maintain Transmission Facilities in the Easement Area pursuant to any standard form of easement or other agreement used by utility. 14. Notices. All notices, requests and communications ("Notice") under this Agreement shall be given in writing, by (i)personal delivery(confirmed by the courier delivery service),(ii) facsimile and confirmed in writing by mail, or (iii) first class certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested,to the individuals and addresses indicated below: (a) If to Grantor: Nelson Ranches, Inc. 58900 County Road 382 Grover, CO 80729 (b) If to Grantee: BP Wind Energy North America Inc. 700 Louisiana, 33`d Floor Houston, TX 77002 Attention: Land Manager Facsimile: (713) 354-2(20 Ic) If to Mortgagee upon Notice of Default or Termination: 11O1 TO I.I 153404.5 Page 4 of 9 1St 1111 11111 In 11111111 3800880 01/22/2009 02.45P Weld County, rk 5 of 10 R 51.00 D 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk&Recorder At the address indicated in Mortgagee's notice sent to Grantor under Section 12.1 hereof Except as expressly provided herein, any Notice provided for herein shall become effective only upon and at the time of first receipt by the party to whom it is given, unless such Notice is only mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested, in which case it shall be deemed to be received five (5) business days after the date that it is mailed. Any party may, by proper written notice hereunder to the other party, change the individual address to which such Notice shall thereafter be sent. 15. Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado. 16. Integration, Amendment. This Agreement, when executed, approved and delivered, together with all exhibits attached hereto, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and there are no other representations or agreements, oral or written, except as expressly set forth herein. This Agreement may not be amended or modified except by a written agreement signed by the parties hereto. 17. Inaccuracy of Legal_Description or Ownership. In the event of any inaccuracy in the description of the Property or Easement Area in Exhibit A or Exhibit B, respectively, or in the description of the parties in whom title to the Property is vested, Grantor and Grantee shall amend this Agreement to correct such inaccuracy in order to accomplish the intent of Grantor and Grantee. 18. Recording. Grantor and Grantee agree that this Agreement (without the Fee Schedule) shall be recorded in the County Records. 19. Severability. If any terms or provisions of this Agreement are deemed to be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby. 20. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original agreement, and all of which shall constitute one agreement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Grantor and Grantee have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered by their duly authorized representatives as of the Effective Date. "GRANTOR" 4 � � L &fra Name: Nelson Ranches, Inc. nowwill$404.5 Page 5 of 9 1111111 11111 111111 111111 1111 11111 111111 III 11111 11111111 3500850 01122/2009 02:46P Weld County,CO 6 of 10 B 51.00 0 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk&Recorder STATE OF UIorado ) ) sS: COUNTY OF Ue1 ) p the fowl regngrumnt was acknowledged before me by �� � tklk 1 tlt D this•;r day of ` uttly 2009. Net+cn J Witness my hand and official seal. No Public My Commission Expires: II 261 MAROARCT E. '',..11.1N~TT NOTARY PUBLIC STATE O` COLORADO HOI ra3.I!53.04J Page 6 of 9 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111110 880 01/2212009 02:45P Weld County,no Cl Corkdr Recordor 7 of 10 R 51.00 D 0.00 Steve More "GRANTEE" BP Wind Energy 1'4ortb America Inc. By r� ' � Name: D.E. Bros t Title: Attomey-In-F821 STATE OF 1 X 3 ) ) ss: COUNTY OF, 71Crrt3 ) On ji muarst q , 2009,before me, c./Gn,ifie, ,9• /mane,, s Notary Public, personally appeared D. Lam. gray-i sd,- , personally known to me(or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence)to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his authorized capacity,and that by his signature on the instrument the person or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument. Witness my hand and official seal. N ry Public My Commission Expires: ,t/ovcl - -- DV/020,a_ ayriJENNIFER,K S;ft.4 Notar State of e y Public, € My Commission Expires *13iti r November 04,2012 11O1103:11334114 5 Page 7 of 9 1111111 11111111111111111 OHIO 1111111II 111E1 U 1111 3600880 01/2212009 02:45P Weld County, C 8 of 10 R 51.00 0 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk&Recorder Exhibit A THE PROPERTY All that certain real property located in Weld County, State of Colorado, to wit: The west '/z of section 8 and the west 1/2 of section 7, all in Township 10 north of Range 58 west of the 6th P.M And All of section 12,all of section t I,the north'A of section 10, all in Township 10 north of Range 59 west of the 6th P.M 1101.103:113)10.5 Page 8 of 9 11111111111I1111111111111I1I1III11I 3600• 80 01,111111 Recorder 9 of 10 R 51.0 0 0 0.00 Steve Moreno County, CO Exhibit B EASEMENT AREA Please see attached map. UQ flJ:I sss.ia.s Page 9 of 9 111111111111 MI NH IIII MIME VIEW"IIII 3600880 01/22/2009 02:45P Weld County, CO 10 of 10 R 51.00 0 0.00 Steve Moreno Clerk& Recorder The north 100 feet of the west '/z of section 8, the north 100 feet of the west ''/ of section 7, all in Township 10 north of Range 58 west of the 6'h Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado; excepting there from any road rights of way and encumbrances of record. And The north 100 feet of section 12, the north 100 feet of section 11, the north 100 feet of section 10, all in Township 10 north of Range 59 west of the 6°i Principal Meridian, Weld County, Colorado; excepting there from any road rights of way and encumbrances of record. Note: This sketch is meant to depict the legal description of the easement. It does not represent a monumented land survey. 1I r 'O y b 4 i 6 10 i htl!M lt ,1=1 I _.._. t ! i I I 1 1 ii 1 , i 1 --..1 o isi. 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W 8 • 1I •I i ti •-•-• I y� .y.0 •, , • � q�' _lilw tai)404 I •,J !1 • t dl f s t I. ., t.1 n ,uq •t.u- 1•Tc... SRt:.r. le ti • . iLL -up liiSi, e; t. I ;i Ii i ei 41 jet Q-3. -.a __ 8 i 1 !a E.:!]..s I? EXHIBIT 1 4 / z.'lflM 2 ai;\ 2o I 4 a • jc\ ‘ James B. Borgel Lftt .N D IFI1/¼1tF, Phone (303) 295-8245 won Fax (303) 295-8261 .i. l f F:= LAW C.:) !_) T W l":: 5 _1..: � ; <,s ; . JBBorgel@hollandhart.com January 21 , 2014 VIA E-MAIL AND U.S. MAIL Kim Ogle Planner Weld County Department of Planning Services 1555 North 17th Avenue Greeley, Colorado 80631 RE : USR13 -0054 and RECX 13 -0117 Dear Mr. Ogle : We are contacting you on behalf of the owners and operators of the Cedar Creek Ii Wind Project to provide you with our comments on the referenced applications that have been submitted to Weld County by Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc . ("Tri-State"). We very much appreciate your assistance to date in providing us with information regarding Tri-State' s proposal , and will continue to monitor the proceedings to ensure that Tri- State ' s proposed project will not have any negative effects on our existing Cedar Creek II Wind project. Based on our current understanding of the Tri -State proposal , we have several comments with regard to their application : 1 . We understand that an approximately 20 acre portion ofTri- State ' s proposed Use by Special Review Permit on property owned by Nelson Ranches, Inc . overlaps a portion of the Use by Special Review Permit 1723 that was granted by Weld County for the Cedar Creek II Wind Project. According to Tri-State' s application, this 20 acre site will be used to develop the proposed Redtail substation. Under the County ' s policies, we understand it will be necessary for the County to vacate that portion of the Cedar r Creek II Use by Special Review permit that covers such 20 acre parcel . Cedar Creek II has reviewed the Tri-State application and does not believe that the partial vacation of the Cedar Creek II USR with respect to this 20 acre parcel within the Nelson Ranches property will invalidate or otherwise have any negative effect on the Cedar Creek II I project. However, we reserve the right to continue our review of the proceedings related to Tri- State ' s application to ensure that this continues to be the case as the project proceeds through the public hearing process. We request that if the County approves the Tri -State application , that they include a condition which would require Cedar Creek H ' s consent to the partial vacation of the Cedar Creek II Use by Special Review Permit prior to recordation ofTri-State' s Use by Special Review map . 2 . We also understand that certain activities associated with the construction of the proposed Keota substation as described in the Tri-State application will require an outage Holland & Hart a Phone [3031 295-8000 Fax 1303] 295-8261 www.hollandhart.com 555 17th Street Suite 3200 Denver, CO 80202 Mailing Address P.O. Box 8749 Denver, CO 80201 -8749 Aspen Boulder Carson City Colorado Springs Denver Denver Tech Center Billings Boise Cheyenne Jackson Hole Las Vegas Reno Salt Lake City Santa Fe Washington, D.C. C, HOLLAND & HARL Kim Ogle January 21 , 2014 o,t Page 2 on the Cedar Creek Keenesburg Transmission line during construction . We will continue to review the impacts which such an outage may have on the operation of the Cedar Creek II project, and request that the County require Tri-State to obtain Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC and Cedar Creek II ' s approval of a plan for any such outage before Tri-State commences construction at the Keota substation site. Any such plan should address, at a minimum, the timing any outage as well as the additional costs g and revenue losses that experienced by will be Cedar Creek 11 in connection with the outage. 3 . The plan for the proposed Keota substation also indicates that a portion of the existing Laramie River/Story Transmission Line will be relocated to cross the Cedar Creek Keenesburg Transmission Line in a different location. We would request that the County' s approval of Tri -State ' s USR include a condition that prior to the start of construction they execute a crossing agreement with Cedar Creek Wind Energy, LLC that will allow for the placement of the relocated transmission line at this new location . 4 . Finally, we understand that the County has required Tri-State to process subdivision exemption RECX 13 -0117 in order to create the 20 acre parcel on which the Redtail substation will be located. We would request that this exemption not be recorded until the County finally approves Tri-State' s USRl3 -0054 and Cedar Creek II has consented to the partial vacation of its USR 1723 , so Cedar Creek II can confirm that the newly created parcel and Tri- State' s proposed facilities as approved by USRl3 -0054 will not adversely affect the Cedar Creek II Wind project. Thank you for the opportunity to review these materials and the additional information that you have been able to provide us as we review Tri-State ' s proposal. If you should have any questions with regard to our comments or the Cedar Creek II project, please don' t hesitate to contact us. Sincerely, fielf- ,1 17eZ,,,,,,„e6 c4ameS B . Borgel of Holland & Hart LLP cc : Eric Stidman (via e-mail ) Michael Rigo (via e-mail ) Leann Vaughn (via e-mail) 6617653_1 Hello