Agenda - Council - 12/12/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Chairperson Bauer asked if this site were to not move forward if a solar farm would be located in another community. Brian Brant, Connexus Energy, explained the membership wanted more renewable energy within the cooperative. He explained three solar sites were being sought for Anoka County. He reported Connexus was pursuing Federal grant dollars for these solar farms that would sunset in 2019. He indicated the original vision was to place the solar farm on Connexus property. Chairperson Bauer questioned if the solar farm energy would be used by Ramsey residents. Mr. Brant reported this was the case. He stated all energy gathered within a Ramsey solar farm would benefit and be used by Ramsey residents. Commissioner VanScoy asked why Connexus decided to go elsewhere when they originally wanted to place the solar farm on their own property. Mr. Brant commented the EDA recommended the corner property and he was looking for a showcase parcel given the size and scale of this solar panel/solar collection project. He explained the Anoka County parcel would fit the needs of Connexus Energy. Commissioner VanScoy inquired if the solar panels would create any glare. Andrew Dallin, SilCore Energy, described the panels that would be used by Connexus Energy and noted they were covered with an anti -reflective coating meant to absorb as much sunlight as possible. He indicated there were several different technologies that used mirrors and this would not be used in Ramsey. He stated airports around the country were installing similar systems. He provided further comment on the initial glare study and the findings within this report. Commissioner VanScoy expressed concern that the property surrounding the proposed solar farm was zoned R-2. He questioned how the solar farm would impact future development of the surrounding land. Mr. Dallin reported the future homeowners would be going into their purchase with full knowledge of the solar farm. He reiterated that the glare study showed there would be no impacts on the surrounding properties, except from one receptor. Commissioner VanScoy asked if Connexus would consider installing some sort of transitional space between the solar farm and the R-2 zoned properties. Mr. Dallin deferred this question to Connexus Energy. City Planner Anderson explained at the south side of the solar farm a double row of eight to ten - foot evergreen trees were in place along the property line. This would provide a buffer or transitional space. He stated it was his understanding the solar panels would not extend fully to the south property line. Planning Commission/October 12, 2017 Page 9 of 14