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Chairperson Bauer questioned if the solar farm energy would be used by Ramsey residents. <br />Mr. Burandt reported this was the case. He stated all energy gathered within a Ramsey solar farm <br />would benefit and be used by Ramsey residents. <br />Commissioner VanScoy asked why Connexus decided to go elsewhere when they originally <br />wanted to place the solar farm on their own property. <br />Mr. Burandt commented the City recommended looking at alternative locations as their outlot was <br />a prime site for future commercial/industrial development and he was looking for a showcase <br />parcel given the size and scale of this solar panel/solar collection project. He explained the Anoka <br />County parcel would fit the needs of Connexus Energy. <br />Commissioner VanScoy inquired if the solar panels would create any glare. <br />Andrew Dallin, SoCore Energy, described the panels that would be used by Connexus Energy and <br />noted they were covered with an anti -reflective coating meant to absorb as much sunlight as <br />possible. He indicated there were several different technologies that used mirrors and this would <br />not be used in Ramsey. He stated airports around the country were installing similar systems. He <br />provided further comment on the initial glare study and the findings within this report. <br />Commissioner VanScoy expressed concern that the property surrounding the proposed solar farm <br />was zoned R-2. He questioned how the solar farm would impact future development of the <br />surrounding land. <br />Mr. Dallin reported the future homeowners would be going into their purchase with full knowledge <br />of the solar farm. He reiterated that the glare study showed there would be no impacts on the <br />surrounding properties, except from one receptor. <br />Commissioner VanScoy asked if Connexus would consider installing some sort of transitional <br />space between the solar farm and the R-2 zoned properties. <br />Mr. Dallin deferred this question to Connexus Energy. <br />City Planner Anderson explained at the south side of the solar farm a double row of eight to ten - <br />foot evergreen trees were in place along the property line. This would provide a buffer or <br />transitional space. He stated it was his understanding the solar panels would not extend fully to <br />the south property line. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill commented that additional plantings could be <br />required, however staff believed the existing trees currently in place were adequate. <br />Mr. Burandt reported he could plant additional trees if required by the City. <br />