Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/12/2017

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Travis Bolton, Bolton Bees, stated he was a farmer and beekeeper. He described how bees were struggling throughout the country due to pesticides and poor habitat. He explained that newly installed solar farms were creating healthy bee habitats. He thanked Connexus Energy for the positive impact they were having on the environment. Commissioner Gengler asked what the output would be from the proposed solar farm. Mr. Burandt explained the annual output from the proposed solar farm could power 620 homes in Ramsey each year. Further discussion ensued regarding the complexity of the request, along with the items that need to be approved by the Commission. Motion by Commissioner VanScoy, seconded by Commissioner Gengler, to recommend that City Council adopt Ordinances #17-13 and #17-14 to rezone the Subject Property to Public/Quasi- Public and to amend Section 177-122 (Public/Quasi-Public) to identify solar energy systems as a principal use with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. Further discussion Commissioner Brauer expressed frustration with the way this item was brought to the City as it appeared to be a done deal. For this reason, he was not going to offer his support to the Ordinances. Commissioner VanScoy withdrew his motion. Community Development Director Gladhill asked if there was general consensus among the Commission regarding the request. By a show of hands three members supported the request, three members did not support the request, and one member was abstaining. Chairperson Bauer questioned what would happen if the Planning Commission did not offer their support for the request. Community Development Director Gladhill commented on the recommendations before the Planning Commission and explained if the rezoning was not approved by the Commission all other requests would be denied. He reported the item would still advance to the City Council, with a recommendation for denial. He explained Connexus could appeal the denial for the variance. Commissioner Nosan stated she supported the solar farm, but had a hard time understanding why the solar farm was not being placed in an industrial area. She was bothered by the fact the solar farm was proposed for a residential area. For this reason, she did not know if she could support the request. Commissioner Surma indicated he could not support the solar farm at the proposed location and believed the solar farm should be placed on Connexus property. Planning Commission/October 12, 2017 Page 12 of 15