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design plans are in the process of being prepared by the solar developer (based on site work being <br />conducted now) but are not complete at this time. They have stated that they do not anticipate any <br />major changes from the initial proposed layout and the Site Plan would still be subject to review <br />and approval by the City. Staff stated the Environmental Policy Board recommended approval of <br />the Zoning Amendments and Conditional Use Permit. City Staff also supports the recommended <br />approvals as well as the appeal for the issuance of a development permit within an officially <br />mapped area. <br />Citizen Innut <br />Chairperson Bauer asked if the City had any zoning districts where solar energy systems were <br />addressed. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained this was addressed within the City's <br />employment districts. He did not anticipate the City would see another request of this size in a <br />residential district. <br />Commissioner VanScoy questioned what the zoning was for the surrounding property. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill indicated the long-term goal of the City was to have <br />the surrounding property be zoned R-2 Residential. He provided further comment on the City's <br />Zoning Map. <br />Commissioner Anderson inquired if the City had any idea when the surrounding parcels will <br />develop. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained one owner was considering development <br />and the other had no plans. He anticipated that these parcels could not develop for another 10 to <br />20 years. He discussed how utilities were lacking in this area of the City. <br />Commissioner Nosan asked if there was any other solar farm in Minnesota located in a residential <br />area. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated there were a variety of solar farms located in <br />the State of Minnesota. He encouraged Connexus Energy to speak to this, but he reiterated that <br />the requested solar farm would be installed prior to any residential housing. <br />Mike Bash, Connexus Energy Vice President and CFO, introduced himself to the Commission. <br />He stated Connexus Energy was owned by its members and these members were looking for <br />greener energy options. With solar energy expenses on the decline, Connexus was considering <br />more renewable energy projects. He commented on other sites that were being considered for a <br />solar farm, one being in Blaine and the other in St. Francis. He provided further information on <br />his discussions with Anoka County on the proposed renewable energy project. He noted the solar <br />farm would generate enough energy for 605 homes and estimated the solar farm would be in place <br />for 25 years. He reported the solar farm would be planted with pollinator friendly plants. He <br />discussed the location of other solar farms in the metro area. <br />Planning Commission/September 7, 2017 <br />Page 4 of 13 <br />