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to a solar farm. He believed that living next to a solar farm would not be most people's choice. <br />He stated he did not want to have a solar farm located adjacent to his farm. He feared his property <br />value would decrease if a solar farm were to locate adjunct to his property. <br />Jeff Pengra, 8390 Highway 10, expressed concern with how the value of his property would be <br />impacted if a solar farm were to locate within the River Crossing Addition. He questioned what <br />would happen to the equipment after 25 years. <br />Mr. Burandt explained after 25 years all of the equipment would be removed, recycled and the <br />property would be returned to its original state. <br />Jeff Nobbe, Shorewood RV, 8390 Highway 10, stated he liked the renewable component of this <br />project and understood energy was an important thing. However, he suggested the solar farm be <br />located on a Connexus property versus a parcel that wasn't zoned properly. He understood that <br />Connexus had a shovel ready parcel available for a solar farm and recommended this be pursued. <br />Assistant City Administrator/Economic Development Manager Brama explained that the EDA <br />recommends that the Connexus parcel be reserved for economic development purposes, but did <br />not review the Subject Property. <br />Mr. Burandt commented Connexus Energy would like to pursue solar on another parcel, which <br />was why the Anoka County site was proposed. <br />Mr. Nobbe questioned if the new solar farm would create new jobs. <br />Cara Bolton, Bolton Bees, explained the solar farm would create jobs for local beekeepers. She <br />provided further comment on the importance of bees to the nation's agriculture. She believed the <br />proposed prairie area was beautiful and would help farmers. She encouraged the Commissioner <br />to offer their support for the proposed solar energy system. <br />Commissioner Brauer asked if the City would oppose another solar farm on the Connexus campus. <br />Community Development Director Gladhill explained this would be determined by the Planning <br />Commission and the City Council. <br />Chairperson Bauer commented that it was City staff's idea to move the solar farm off the Connexus <br />property and moved the project in a new direction. <br />Mr. Nobbe encouraged the City to stick with its original plan for the solar farm and recommend it <br />be installed on the Connexus property. <br />Colleen Hollanger, Prairie Restoration, discussed with the Commission how the prairie land would <br />be installed and cared for by her employees. <br />Planning Commission/October 12, 2017 <br />Page 11 of 15 <br />