Minutes - Council - 11/14/2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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as it meets the need of the Connexus user, fits the needs of the community and because he cannot come up with enough objective information to prove that this is not a good idea and therefore he will support this project. Councilmember Shryock asked for clarification on the rezoning and whether that would occur for the entire County lot or just the solar farm portion. City Planner Anderson replied that the proposal would impact the 19-acre parcel and not the second parcel that is owned by the County. Councilmember Shryock stated that this site is central to whatever may be developed in the far future. She stated that the parcel could be used for this for now and the spot would then be saved for possible park space in the future. She believed that development could still occur around this site and this is another opportunity that is appropriate for this space at this time. She did not see any objective reasoning to not approve this at this time. Mayor Strommen stated that as she has reviewed this request, there is a mismatch between the zoning and the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the rezoning would match the zoning of the parcel to that identified in the Comprehensive Plan. She stated that the parcel was purchased for the bridge crossing that did not happen and the intent for the property was never residential. She stated that the zoning change would put this use back in line with the original intent of the parcel. 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 listens 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. City Council/November 14, 2017 Page 11 of 14