Minutes - Council Work Session - 10/17/2023 - Special

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Councilmember Musgrove agreed. Councilmember Riley asked if the Planning Commission and Staff could handle this without it being a part of the zoning code. Planning Manager Larson shared that if someone comes forward and wants a heliport then they can deal with that at the time of the request. Councilmember Musgrove mentioned the utility scale windmills which are only allowed in the landfill. She stated that she would like to have this section removed. Councilmember Woestehoff asked why she wanting this removed. Councilmember Musgrove shared that she is not sure how many windmills someone could try to get in the landfill area. She stated that this is also very close to Sunfish Lake which is not much different than being in proximity to the MCRA with regard to wildlife. She added that there are a lot of eagles that live within this area. She stated that this area is also very close to residential. She said that there are studies that show that these windmills are not good for residential areas due to interruptions. She added that part of the quality of life in Ramsey is geared around some of the rural and nature areas and she does not think these windmills would be necessary to have in this area. Councilmember Riley asked if the landfill would support this. He shared that he has heard that putting footings could be a problem. Councilmember Musgrove stated that if they have this in the zoning code and someone comes in later to put these in then they would have to allow it. City Administrator Hagen shared that Connexus is still planning on moving forward with their solar farm on any flat land. He stated that the landfill had also said that they did not want anything on top. Councilmember Musgrove added that she did not think they would be able to put anything on top of the landfill but potentially on the side. She stated that if it is not allowed in the MRCA then it should not be allowed in this area as well as it is not much different. City Administrator Hagen asked if this was an item that had to be allowed somewhere in the City. Planning Manager Larson said no and if they removed this, they would just be striking what is in the code today. Councilmember Howell recommended striking the utility-scale altogether as there is a lot of research that supports this killing wildlife and causes health issues for people. She noted that she does not see this as an asset to the community. City Council Special Work Session/ October 17, 2023 Page 9 of 16