2016.01.04 CC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Hugo City Council Meeting Minutes for January 4,2016 Page 8 of 9 Approval of Solar Ordinance Community Development Assistant Rachel Leitz explained that throughout the past year, staff had been receiving many inquiries from solar companies and residents regarding the construction of solar projects. At its May 4, 2015 meeting, the City Council authorized the Ordinance Review Committee (ORC) to create a solar ordinance to regulate future solar projects within the City. The solar ordinance is now completed and was recommend for approval by the Planning Commission at their December 7, 2015 meeting. Leitz explained there were two different ways solar panels can be installed: solar farms and accessory solar energy systems. Solar farms would be allowed by an Interim Use Permits and accessory solar energy systems would be approved by the Building Official, except commercial or industrial systems which would require approval by the Community Development Director or designee. City Administrator Bryan Bear commented that the ORC was very creative in that the Hugo ordinance does not match ordinances in other cities that usually guide solar for industrial areas. The Hugo ordinance will allow solar on less valuable lands such as floodplains. Klein made motion, Miron seconded, to approve ORDINANCE 2016-475 RELATING TO AND REGULATING ACCESSORY SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS AND SOLAR FARMS. All Ayes. Motion carried. Update on the Yellow Ribbon Network Council Member Chuck Haas and Phil Klein reported to Council on the Yellow Ribbon Network activities held recently. Haas talked about Fairview's buy-back program of Halloween candy that was dispersed to several units. Coffee was received and sent to the troops. Summer Camp will be held again this year at the Vets Camp on Big Marine for veterans and their families. January Burger Night will be hosted by Lake Area Bank, and they are still looking for more sponsors. Minnesota military radio host and YRN supporter Tom Lions received an award by General Nash. YRN volunteers helped an injured soldier by donating money and lawn work, but there was still a need for transportation with a handicapped van. Approve Cancellation of January 18, 2016 Meeting Due to the Martin Luther King Day Holiday Every year, the Martin Luther King Holiday falls on the same day as the Council's second monthly meeting in January. In the past, Council has cancelled or rescheduled this meeting for the following day. City Administrator Bryan Bear informed Council there were no agenda items for this meeting and recommended Council cancel it. Weidt made motion, Klein seconded, to cancel the meeting on January 18, 2016 due to the Martin Luther King Holiday. All Ayes. Motion carried.