Minutes - Council - 05/13/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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4.13: Adopt Resolution #14 -05 -087 Confirming Lease with SBA Monarch Towers II, LLC with Respect to Certain Real Property Located at 6600 Alpine Drive NW, Ramsey, MN 55303 — Site ID #: MN41323 -A — Site Name: Alpine Park 4.14: Adopt Resolution #14-05-090 Accepting Plans and Specifications and Authorizing Advertisement for Bids for Improvement Project #12 -22, Riverdale Drive Reconstruction and Extension from Armstrong Boulevard to Traprock Street 4.15: Adopt Resolution #14 -05 -079 to Hire a Part-Time Confidential Administrative Assistant Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Pro Tem Backous, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Riley, Kuzma, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen and Councilmember Johns. 5. APPROVE AGENDA Motion by Councilmember Riley, seconded by Councilmember LeTourneau, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Pro Tem Backous, Councilmembers Riley, LeTourneau, Kuzma, and Tossey. Voting No: None. Absent: Mayor Strommen and Councilmember Johns. 6. PUBLIC HEARING None. 7. COUNCIL BUSINESS 7.01: Consider Introduction of Ordinance #14 -04 Amending City Code to Establish Minimum Standards for Alternative Energy Systems City Planner Anderson reviewed the staff report and recommendation of staff, the Planning Commission, and Environmental Policy Board to introduce an ordinance relating to ground mounted solar energy systems in residential districts related to setbacks, height, and glare. He answered questions of the Council relating to the height restriction of 16 feet for ground - mounted equipment. If roof mounted, it would be restricted to the building height restriction. Don Haller, Connexus Energy, thanked staff for their assistance. He displayed slides and described their proposed ground mounted, stationary solar project. It will be the largest community solar system in Minnesota with 793 panels, about the size of a football field, and able to power 33 -34 homes. The community would be allowed to purchase panels for energy purposes for a one -time fee of approximately $950 per panel and Connexus would lock in solar rates for the next 20 years. Mr. Haller explained that to power one single - family home, it would involve an investment of about $20,000. The system is compliant and, if approved, energy would be produced by September 2014. He stated they already have 51 members, showing there is demand. Mr. Haller indicated there are currently no financial grants but there may be payment terms. City Council / May 13, 2014 Page 4 of 12