Minutes - Council - 02/13/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ms. Haggenson said one megawatt serves an average of 200 homes on an annual basis. Councilmember Musgrove asked how many megawatts were planned for this site. Ms. Haagenson said approximately four megawatts; however, it may vary based on what the developer can fit on the site. Councilmember Specht asked if there is a plan in place to minimize tree loss in this area. Planning Manager Larson shared they do not have a final site plan yet; however, it will be coming back after it has been designed. He noted that around the perimeter of the site there are some natural berms with a lot of trees that will remain. Councilmember Musgrove asked if they are being asked to make a correction of the last zoning map that they worked on. Planning Manager Larson said yes. Councilmember Musgrove asked if the ordinance had anything to do directly with the Connexus project. Planning Manager Larson explained it does have to do with the Connexus project in the sense that under the I-1 zoning, the solar garden cannot be a standalone use; however, under CL it can be standalone. Councilmember Musgrove noted that there was a comment in the case about some planned site review which is not ready at this time. She asked if they have to take this zoning change up or if they would be able to wait until the planned site review is presented to the Council. Planning Manager Larson said that it would be possible to wait until the site review was in front of them. He added there is a concept plan that is attached to the report that Staff believed was good enough for this case. He explained the site review will have much more detail. Motion by Councilmember Woestehoff, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to waive the City Charter provision to read the ordinance aloud and introduce Ordinance #24-02 rezoning a portion of the Ramsey Landfill from I-1 to CL at the northwest of Sunwood Drive and Sunfish Lake Boulevard NW. Further discussion: Councilmember Howell shared her concerns with putting a solar array of this size in the middle of the City. She added that she would rather see more of a nature preserve or natural landscapes in this area. She noted the solar panels will be a visual blight and will leach nickel into the landfill to make it more contaminated than it already is. She also wondered what would come of the solar panels when they are no longer usable. She said she believes this is the wrong place to put a solar array and she will not be supporting this. City Council /February 13, 2024 Page 5 of 7