Laserfiche WebLink
LAKE ELMO CITY COUNCIL MINUTES <br /> March 21, 2023 <br /> <br /> <br />Page 2 of 5 <br /> <br />Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember McGinn, moved TO APPROVE THE <br />CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. Motion passed 4 - 0. <br /> <br />ITEM 10: 10755 50th Street CEF Solar Farm CUP <br /> <br />City Planner Jensen presented a revised conditional use permit application for a solar farm on the <br />property located at 10755 50th Street. The application was revised based on feedback received at <br />previous City Council meetings where concerns were raised regarding screening the project from <br />the road. Applicant Dan Grantier, CEF Solar, reviewed the revised landscaping and screening <br />plan. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, moved TO OPEN THE <br />PUBLIC HEARING. Motion passed 4 – 0. <br /> <br />Eric Clifford, 5040 Lake Elmo Avenue, spoke in support of the project and green energy. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Councilmember Beckstrom, moved TO CLOSE THE <br />PUBLIC HEARING. Motion passed 4 – 0. <br /> <br />Discussion was held regarding the proposed screening, types of trees and possible addition of <br />fencing with trees to screen the solar farm from the road. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holtz, seconded by Mayor Cadenhead, moved TO ADOPT RESOLUTION <br />2023-021, APPROVING A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) AS REQUESTED BY CEF <br />LAKE ELMO COMMUNITY SOLAR, LLC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND <br />OPERATION OF A SOLAR FARM ON THE PROPERTY LOCATED AT 10755 50TH <br />STREET N WITH THE LISTED CONDITIONS BASED ON THE FINDINGS LISTED IN <br />THE STAFF REPORT. Motion failed 2 – 2. (Beckstrom, McGinn – nay) <br /> <br />Mayor Cadenhead, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO POSTPONE THE <br />CURRENT ITEM TO THE NEXT COUNCIL MEETING. Motion failed 2 – 2. (Beckstrom, <br />McGinn – nay) <br /> <br />Mayor Cadenhead, seconded by Councilmember Holtz, moved TO POSTED TO THE NEXT <br />COUNCIL MEETING AND GIVE THE APPLICANT DIRECTION TO MAKE CHANGES <br />TO APPLICATION TO BETTER ADDRESS COUNCIL CONCERNS. Motion passed 4 – 0. <br /> <br />ITEM 11: Drake Motor Partners Preliminary PUD and Preliminary Plat <br />Nathan Fuerst, Consulting Planner, reviewed the proposed site layout, request for higher street <br />width to accommodate turning movements of large trucks, and the landscape/screening plan. Jon <br />Hauser, Drake Motor Partners, spoke on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Hauser noted the low