Agenda - Council - 11/28/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development Director Gladhill explained this was addressed within the City's employment districts. He did not anticipate the City would see another request of this size in a residential district. Commissioner VanScoy questioned what the zoning was for the surrounding property. Community Development Director Gladhill indicated the long-term goal of the City was to have the surrounding property be zoned R-2 Residential. He provided further comment on the City's Zoning Map. Commissioner Anderson inquired if the City had any idea when the surrounding parcels will develop. Community Development Director Gladhill explained one owner was considering development and the other had no plans. He anticipated that these parcels could not develop for another 10 to 20 years. He discussed how utilities were lagging in this area of the City. Commissioner Nosan asked if there was any other solar farm in Minnesota located in a residential area. Community Development Director Gladhill stated there were a variety of solar farms located in the State of Minnesota. He encouraged Connexus Energy to speak to this, but he reiterated that the requested solar farm would be installed prior to any residential housing. Mike Bash, Connexus Energy Vice President and CFO, introduced himself to the Commission. He stated Connexus Energy was owned by its members and these members were looking for greener energy options. With solar energy expenses on the decline, Connexus was considering more renewable energy projects. He commented on other sites that were being considered for a solar farm, one being in Blaine and the other in St. Francis. He provided further information on his discussions with Anoka County on the proposed renewable energy project. He noted the solar farm would generate enough energy for 605 homes and estimated the solar farm would be in place for 25 years. He reported the solar farm would be planted with pollinator friendly plants. He discussed the location of other solar farms in the metro area. Commissioner Anderson commented he was concerned about the glare coming from the solar farm. Mr. Bash spoke to the small amount of glare that would be emitted by the solar panels. He explained numerous solar panels were located at airports and this was not a safety concern for arriving airplanes. He stated he has not noticed a glare coming from the existing solar farm in the past three years. He described how the solar farm would be landscaped to assist with reducing any glare issues. Commissioner Anderson questioned if there have been any reports of scorched landscape or plants that were adjacent to solar farms.