Agenda - Planning Commission - 09/07/2017

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City Planner Anderson stated that he spoke with the solar developer and was assured that the developer would create a decommissioning plan for the removal of the equipment and restoration of the land that would occur after that leased period expires. Mr. Burandt stated that the storage developer has not yet been named but provided examples of storage containers that could be used in the solar array. He noted that the storage containers would be located on the back side of the swale if you were looking from Highway 10. City Planner Anderson stated that staff does not have a final Site Plan as that would be contingent on final site work that is being done. He stated that part of the mapping process that was done in 2007 to prepare for the Comprehensive Plan update identified this land as Public/Quasi Public but the reguiding of the land never occurred. He stated that currently the property is zoned as R- 2/medium residential. He stated that staff believes that it would be appropriate to rezone the property as Public/Quasi-Public, especially because the County owns the property. He noted that substations are allowed in that zoning district and while a solar array is not a specified use, it would be similar. He stated that staff would recommend adding a text amendment to the zoning district to allow solar energy systems as a principal use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. He noted that a Conditional Use Permit could then be used to allow the solar array. He stated that this would move forward to the Planning Commission for a public hearing at their September 5th meeting and would then move to the City Council. Mr. Burandt stated that Connexus originally wanted to have a showcase on their property, as they have 18 acres of land but staff was hesitant and stated that they would support the solar array on another piece of property as they would rather see the land near the Connexus site preserved for a business park. City Planner Anderson agreed that from an economic development perspective, Ramsey is short on industrial/business park land and therefore the remainder of the Connexus property would be desirable for that purpose. He stated that discussion has brought this idea to the County owned land, which would be a good marriage of the County owned land and the solar array. Board Member Hiatt asked if there has been any feedback from the residents on Bowers Drive. Mr. Burandt stated that they have not spoken with the residents in that area yet but would be open to holding a public meeting. City Planner Anderson stated that if Connexus is interested, staff could open up City Hall earlier for an open house prior to the Planning Commission meeting for residents to ask more questions if desired. Mr. Burandt stated that he has not heard any negative comments about creating more renewable energy. Motion by Chairperson Stodola and seconded by Board Member Valentine to recommend approval of a Zoning Amendment to rezone the subject property to Public/Quasi Public and to add solar energy systems as a principal use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit.