Laserfiche WebLink
residential home buyers would not want to live adjacent to a solar farm. He feared that he would <br />not be able to subdivide or develop his land. He encouraged Connexus Energy to pursue another <br />location and for the Commission to not offer their support for the solar energy system. <br />Al Pearson, 14821 Bowers Drive, stated he had the same concerns as the others that have spoken <br />against the solar farm. He questioned how much grading would occur on the site and stated he did <br />not believe the solar farm would be a good fit. He explained he did not support tying up this <br />property when opportunities for development could occur. He commented on the City's tax base <br />and encouraged the City to consider the benefits of development versus a solar farm. <br />Mr. Bash commented on the personal property taxes that were paid by Connexus Energy. He <br />explained no grading would occur on the site. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated this item could be brought back if the <br />Commission has concerns with the economic development of this area. <br />Motion by Commissioner VanScoy, seconded by Commissioner Surma, to close the public <br />hearing. <br />Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bauer, Commissioners VanScoy, Surma, Anderson, <br />Gengler, and Nosan. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Brauer. <br />Chairperson Bauer closed the public hearing closed at 8:14 p.m. <br />Commission Business <br />Commissioner Surma stated he would like to see the proposed solar farm placed on the Connexus <br />Energy property along Sunwood Drive. <br />Commissioner Anderson questioned the size of this lot. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill reported the Connexus Energy lot was 17.5 acres in <br />size. <br />Commissioner Nosan understood that solar energy was important. She explained she did have <br />concerns about placing a solar farm in an area completely surrounded by residentially zoned <br />parcels. She thanked the neighbors for voicing their concerns. She believed the Commission <br />needed additional information on this request prior to moving forward and stated she would like <br />to hear from the EDA. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated it may make sense to step back and work <br />through the request in further detail, noting the Commission could postpone action on the solar <br />farm to October. <br />Chairperson Bauer believed this was a reasonable course of action. He asked if postponement of <br />the item would complicate matters for Connexus Energy. <br />