Minutes - Council - 05/14/2024 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Zero policy at the State level. She shared that she is disappointed that they are not trying to help keep Ramsey less of a solar garden. Councilmember Specht agreed that the Net Neutral policy is a horrible energy policy; however, he does not see that argument being relevant to this discussion. Motion by Councilmember Specht, seconded by Councilmember Riley, to reconsider introducing Ordinance 424-02 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 that she is very disappointed to see this item come back. She noted that Ramsey is rapidly becoming more suburban and less rural, and this will affect the wildlife in the area. She shared that in California, they are turning landfills into nature preserves. She added that Connexus Energy is not a private enterprise and the City will be forced to buy electricity from them and they are not a private business. She said they need to keep this in mind while they move forward with this. She noted that they have discussed previously that the City would like to look into possibly buying land that they can preserve for nature and this site is an opportunity for that. She added that the State has no way of properly disposing of the pollution of solar panels when they are retired. She explained that it is her understanding that when the solar panels are retired, they are being shipped to other states where they become the other state's issue and she does not think this is a way of being a good steward of the environment and does not set a good precedent for the residents. She said she does not support this. A roll call vote was performed: Councilmember Musgrove nay Councilmember Riley aye Councilmember Howell nay Councilmember Olson aye Councilmember Specht aye Mayor Kuzma aye Motion carried. Planning Manager Larson reviewed the Staff report in regard to the rezoning request. Brian Burandt with Connexus Energy came forward and shared that this site is extremely cost effective, and this is the rationale behind why they have chosen this site. He noted that the solar panels will hardly be seen from the road given the topography and the trees. He added that the berm will not be going away and will be planted with native grasses which will be great for habitat and wildlife. Councilmember Musgrove asked if this garden would be considered small, medium, or large in size. City Council/May 14, 2024 Page 8 of 18