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Jeff Mobee, Shorewood RV, 8390 Highway 10, stated he liked the renewable component of this <br />project and understood energy was an important thing. However, he suggested the solar farm be <br />located on a Connexus property versus a parcel that wasn't zoned properly. He understood that <br />Connexus had a shovel ready parcel available for a solar farm and recommended this be pursued. <br />Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama explained the EDA was <br />proposing this parcel in order to keep the project within Ramsey. <br />Mr. Burandt commented Connexus Energy would like to pursue solar on another parcel, which <br />was why the Anoka County site was proposed. <br />Mr. questioned if the new solar farm would create new jobs. <br />Cara Bolton, Bolton Bees, explained the solar farm would create jobs for local beekeepers. She <br />provided further comment on the importance of bees to the nation's agriculture. She believed the <br />proposed prairie area was beautiful and would help farmers. She encouraged the Commissioner <br />to offer their support for the proposed solar energy system. <br />Commissioner Brauer asked if the City would oppose another solar farm on the Connexus campus. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained this would be determined by the Planning <br />Commission and the City Council. <br />Chairperson Bauer commented that it was City staff's idea to move the solar farm off the Connexus <br />property and moved the project in a new direction. <br />Mr. Mobee encouraged the City to stick with its original plan for the solar farm and recommend it <br />be installed on the Connexus property. <br />Colleen Hollanger, Prairie Restoration, discussed with the Commission how the prairie land would <br />be installed and cared for by her employees. <br />Travis Bolton, Bolton Bees, stated he was a farmer and beekeeper. He described how bees were <br />struggling throughout the country due to pesticides and poor habitat. He explained that newly <br />installed solar farms were creating healthy bee habitats. He thanked Connexus Energy for the <br />positive impact they were having on the environment. <br />Commissioner Gengler asked what the output would be from the proposed solar farm. <br />Mr. Burandt explained the annual output from the proposed solar farm could power 620 homes in <br />Ramsey each year. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the complexity of the request, along with the items that need <br />to be approved by the Commission. <br />