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district in which the parcel is zoned allows the use of solar farms and that if this use cannot be <br />accepted, City ordinance should be changed to prohibit this particular use. Therefore, he will be <br />in favor of the proposed solar farm. <br />Commissioner Derr stated that the applicant has made many accommodations to meet the City's <br />standards in terms of solar farm installation and use. Commissioner Derr explained that <br />technology evolves and there may not be a need for solar panels in the next 25 years and states <br />that solar energy is a good idea. Commissioner Derr also explained that there are few areas that <br />would be more suitable for the solar farm. Therefore, he will be in favor of the proposed solar <br />farm. <br />Commissioner Luchsinger also agreed that the solar farm meets City criteria and should be <br />installed. Commissioner Luchsinger believed that the solar farm is compatible with the <br />surrounding area as well as the fact that the applicant is willing to implement adequate buffering. <br />Therefore, she will be in favor of the proposed solar farm. Commissioner Luchsinger went on to <br />state that there are other uses allowed in the zoning district that may be larger and have more of <br />an impact on the neighboring properties. <br />Chair Kleissler stated that she agrees with parts of the opinions stated on both sides and <br />acknowledged the efforts made by both the applicant and the public. However, Chair Kleissler <br />stated that the fundamental question is whether or not the use is compatible with the surrounding <br />area. Because the area is located within a community and is surrounded by residential properties <br />within clear sight of the proposed solar farm, Chair Kleissler believed that the solar farm is not <br />compatible with the nature of the surrounding area. Therefore, she will not be in favor of the <br />proposed solar farm. <br />Chair Kleissler also addressed the public's concern with liability if any damages are caused by <br />the solar farm. <br />Juba stated that City ordinance requires the applicant to provide a decommissioning plan which <br />would provide funds which would be used to dispose of the solar farm if the company itself is <br />not financially able to do so. The applicant is required to provide these funds prior to the <br />construction of the solar farm. <br />Chair Kleissler requested a rollcall vote regarding the approval of the installment of the FastSun <br />4 solar farm. <br />Commissioner Arcand, Commissioner Derr, and Commissioner Luchsinger voted in favor of <br />approving the FastSun 4 solar farm. <br />Commissioner Tjernlund and Chair Kleissler voted against the approval of the FastSun 4 solar <br />farm. <br />The motion is carried to approve the FastSun 4 solar farm with a vote of 3-2. <br />