Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/07/2017

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5.01: Consider Request for a Zoning Amendment and Conditional Use Permit for the Installation of a Solar Garden at the Property Legally Described as Lot 3, Block 1, River Crossing Addition (Project No. 17-135); Case of Connexus Energy City Planner Anderson presented the staff report. He stated that Connexus Energy has applied for a Zoning Amendment and a Conditional Use Permit to construct a new solar garden on the property legally described as Lot 3, Block 1, River Crossing Addition. He stated that the subject property is owned by Anoka County and would be leased by Connexus Energy. He stated that when the City contemplated solar energy systems several years ago, the Zoning Code was amended to consider ground or building mounted solar energy systems as permitted accessory use in any zoning district; however, it did not account for or address the possibility of a solar array being the principal use of a property, as would be the case with the Connexus proposal. Brian Burandt stated that the proposed site would be 14 times the size of the existing solar array on the Connexus campus and would generate the power supply for 600 homes, noting that energy would remain in Ramsey. He stated that there are tax credits available for the solar system, battery system, and storage system which decrease the project costs. He explained that the midday solar peak and later peak of energy use, the storage system will allow that energy to be stored until the use is needed. He stated that Connexus approached municipalities to determine interest and there are three willing partners with land available through Anoka County, St. Francis, and the National Sports Center. He stated that this would be the largest multi -site community solar array in the midwest. He provided additional details on the proposed sites which would include fencing and pollinator habitat. He stated that they have learned key takeaways from the solar array on the Connexus campus. Board Member Trossen asked the size of the battery and average lifespan. Mr. Burandt provided additional details on the size and lifespan of the batteries. He explained how the batteries would be charged and store energy in order to disburse the energy during peak demand times. Board Member Valentine asked for information on fire safety. Mr. Burandt provided additional details on the batteries and noted that the batteries are safe and the price of batteries have actually been reduced because of the competition that has been brought to the market. He confirmed that there would be fire suppression as well. Board Member Covart asked if the members would be offered a buy -in on the project. Mr. Burandt explained that Connexus is leasing the land through municipalities and the energy will be used to lower the costs to all Connexus customers rather than offering a buy -in. He stated that there is not an issue with glare. He stated that after 25 years the equipment would be removed and the site would be restored for Anoka County to do what they wish with it.