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Mr. Pengro believed the City would benefit more by placing homes in this area of the community <br />than another solar farm. <br />Further discussion ensued regarding property values and tax rates. <br />Mr. Nobbe encouraged Connexus Energy to purchase their own parcel for the proposed solar farm <br />as he did not want the value of his business to be reduced. <br />Dave Nathe, 14453 Llama Street, stated he has been farming this ground since 1971. He discussed <br />the changes he has seen in the City over the years and noted the County purchased this land in two <br />separate parcels for a river crossing. He believed that property values would be reduced as <br />residential home buyers would not want to live adjacent to a solar farm. He feared that he would <br />not be able to subdivide or develop his land. He encouraged Connexus Energy to pursue another <br />location and for the Commission to not offer their support for the solar energy system. <br />Al Pearson, 14821 Bowers Drive, stated he had the same concerns as the others that have spoken <br />against the solar farm. He questioned how much grading would occur on the site and stated he did <br />not believe the solar farm would be a good fit. He explained he did not support tying up this <br />property when opportunities for development could occur. He commented on the City's tax base <br />and encouraged the City to consider the benefits of development versus a solar farm. <br />Mr. Bash commented on the personal property taxes that were paid by Connexus Energy. He <br />explained no grading would occur on the site. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill stated this item could be brought back if the <br />Commission has concerns with the economic development of this area. <br />Motion by Commissioner VanScoy, seconded by Commissioner Surma, to close the public <br />hearing. <br />Motion Carried. Voting Yes: Chairperson Bauer, Commissioners VanScoy, Surma, Anderson, <br />Gengler, and Nosan. Voting No: None. Absent: Commissioner Brauer. <br />Chairperson Bauer closed the public hearing closed at 8:14 p.m. <br />Commission Business <br />Commissioner Surma stated he would like to see the proposed solar farm placed on the Connexus <br />Energy property along Sunwood Drive. <br />Commissioner Anderson questioned the size of this lot. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill reported the Connexus Energy lot was 17.5 acres in <br />size. <br />Planning Commission/September 7, 2017 <br />Page 6 of 13 <br />