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CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION June 4, 2018 <br />DRAFT <br /> 2 <br />wonders, if that weren’t available to energy companies, the impact it could have on their 45 <br />development plans. Ms. Lindahl said her knowledge is exclusive to the fact that Xcel is 46 <br />required to have solar. 47 <br /> 48 <br />Mayor Reinert said he’d like to see the numbers; statistics about Minnesota solar 49 <br />community gardens (energy produced year around, economics on how the money flows 50 <br />and what kickbacks are involved). The council can educate and then decide if they want 51 <br />to see the topic again. 52 <br /> 53 <br />A representative of applicant, Lino Lakes Solar LLC, explained that the Minnesota 54 <br />Legislature has provided this program so that people can use solar even if they don’t have 55 <br />a home that facilitates it. These farms are developed by a third party but will be owned 56 <br />by the subscribers. The energy is eventually purchased from the subscriber by Xcel at a 57 <br />bonus to the subscriber. The “kick-back” is renewable energy credits that the energy 58 <br />company is required to maintain. He explained the amount of energy generally produced 59 <br />by the facilities over a period of twenty years after which time the farm is removed. 60 <br />Some communities require a bond to ensure the funds will be there for demolition at the 61 <br />end. 62 <br /> 63 <br />Council Member Rafferty asked the developer if there is a specific location in mind. The 64 <br />representative pointed out on a map the area of Lake Amelia and Molitor Drive. 65 <br /> 66 <br />Mayor Reinert said he is requesting additional information. He added that one question 67 <br />in his mind is locking up developable land. 68 <br /> 69 <br />Council Member Stoesz asked if individual solar panel units are allowed under city code. 70 <br />Ms. Lindahl said that is allowed today. Ms. Lindahl added that she will work with the 71 <br />applicant and get together as much additional information as possible. 72 <br /> 73 <br />Council Member Manthey added that he’d like more information on how communities 74 <br />have reacted and have been impacted by this type of development. The developer 75 <br />explained that he is heavily involved in this process as far as attending and participating 76 <br />in government as they consider and plan for this type of activity and he has seen that 77 <br />government restrictions and involvement are across the board; he would be happy to work 78 <br />with Ms. Lindahl on best practices in that area. 79 <br /> 80 <br />Council Member Rafferty asked for locations of other facilities. 81 <br />2. Comprehensive Plan Update – Community Development Director Grochala 82 <br />reviewed his written report. He noted the April Open House and comments and 83 <br />suggestions received. Input was generally positive. There were certain specific requests 84 <br />(Noren and Lundgren family) that that will be individually evaluated. Mr. Grochala 85 <br />added that the city has been officially granted an extension for submission to the 86 <br />Metropolitan Council and he reviewed the proposed schedule going forward (as included 87 <br />in the staff report). Staff will return at the July work session. The Mayor indicated that 88