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

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She stated that the Conditional Use Permit would provide the community with protection. She stated that the project developer and owner is a utility provider and the property owner is Anoka County. She asked for details on the decommissioning plan to cover what would happen should the lease be broken by either party or if there are violations of the Conditional Use Permit. She stated that you cannot play the what if game because that other use may never come forward. She stated that she does not see a reason for this to not move forward and is excited for Ramsey to be a showcase for this project. Community Development Director Gladhill noted that the lease is between Connexus and the County and if there is a default there, Anoka County can remove the use from the property regardless of the terms of the Conditional Use Permit. He noted that if the terms of the Conditional Use Permit are violated, the City can revoke the permit and therefore remove the use. Councilmember Shryock stated that the Council does not make these decisions lightly and listen to the concerns that arise during discussions. She stated that the Council attempts to weigh the decisions as best as possible to provide the best outcome for the community. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Shryock, to introduce Ordinance #17-13 to amend the City's Official Zoning Map to Public/Quasi-Public to guide future land uses on the property. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Shryock, Johns, and Kuzma. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Riley. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to introduce Ordinance #17-14 to amend Section 177-122 (Public/Quasi-Public) to identify solar energy systems as a Conditional Use Permit to guide the approval process for these types of systems. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Strommen, Councilmembers LeTourneau, Johns, Kuzma, and Shryock. Voting No: None. Absent: Councilmember Riley. Motion by Councilmember LeTourneau, seconded by Councilmember Johns, to Adopt Resolution #17-11-289 Approving the Issuance of a Conditional Use Permit to Connexus Energy to Allow the Installation and Maintenance of a Solar Energy System as a Principal Use in the Public/Quasi- Public District and Declaring Terms of Same, contingent upon review and approval of the Final Site Plan and Landscape Plan by the City Council and subject to review by the City Attorney to ensure decommissioning costs are the responsibility of the applicant. Further discussion: Councilmember Kuzma stated that while he thinks that this could be a good project for the community, he has not heard compelling arguments that there could be some issues. He stated that this project could raise the value of the adjacent property. He stated that the County owns the property and is a willing participant in this lease. He stated that this is a positive project that he will support. Councilmember LeTourneau appreciated the comments from the community and thanked Connexus for bringing forward an innovative project like this and for considering Ramsey to be their home.