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City Council Minutes 02-09-2015 Special (solar)MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING — MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, February 9, 2015 — 6 p.m. North Mississippi Room, Monticello Community Center Present: Brian Stumpf, Charlotte Gabler, Lloyd Hilgart, Tom Perrault, Absent: Glen Posusta Others: Angela Schumann, Jeff O'Neill 1. Call to Order Mayor Stumpf called the special meeting to order at 6 p.m. 2. Purpose of Meeting: Update on solar energy legislation Mayor Stumpf explained the purpose and turned over to Jeff O'Neill. Introductions were given. Guests: Rep. Jim Newberger from Becker, Shannon Bye from the Monticello Township Board. 3. Workshop: Solar Energy Legislation Jeff O'Neill explained that the workshop will focus on current legislation related to solar energy and possible initiatives that are underway. Overview of Solar Energy Initiatives — Jeff O'Neill discussed the state's Renewable Energy Standard and how it applies to solar energy. He noted that the MN Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has the ability to site and permit large electric power generating plants, which may include solar energy systems of significant scale. Locations of energy systems generally are approved through the PUC. Relationship to City of Monticello/Monticello Orderly Annexation Area (MOAA) — Jeff O'Neill mentioned there are two development firms that have contacted the city about proposals to place solar facilities in the MOAA. The MOAA is an area designated by the city and township for urbanization; the MOAA area is generally expected to develop in an urban manner. Wright County's zoning applies to these areas until such time as parcels are annexed and developed. It was noted that the County zoning in the MOAA does not address solar energy; therefore, zoning regulations would not permit solar energy systems at this time. However, under PUC rules, local zoning may not be applicable. Jeff O'Neill reviewed a planning map used during the annexation study that was done about ten years ago. The map delineated areas that would likely be subject to development and would be annexed into the city as growth occurred. High growth was anticipated to occur in the Silver Springs area. City Council Special Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 1 Jeff O'Neill pointed out that one of the proposals for a solar energy farm could encompass 600 acres of the former Silver Springs golf course. This is the same area that was considered for residential development just a few years ago.. Jeff O'Neill noted that the city does not oppose solar development but would prefer to have it develop away from the city's planning area. Jeff O'Neill discussed some of the issues regarding solar facilities as a principal use without allowance for local review. Discussion - Jeff O'Neill asked for comments and questions from Council. Lloyd Hilgart commented on the Renewable Energy Standard which requires a substantial investment of renewable energy sources consisting of at least 25% of the energy consumed in the state. It appears that the ability to fulfill this mandate could take up a lot of land resources. Jeff O'Neill stated that there are quite a number of proposals that have been submitted recently across the state. Many of them are in areas that are more rural and do not impact development. However, there are proposals that could impact city development areas, and the city may not have much ability to influence those proposals. Lloyd Hilgart mentioned that he has heard from a farmer adjacent to Silver Springs who has been approached by a solar firm looking for five 40 -acre parcels. Brian Stumpf indicated that there are also companies in the city that have been contacted by solar companies for rooftop solar systems. Legislation proposed — Rep. Jim Newberger of Becker gave a legislative overview to Council on the current status of solar systems. He first explained that Monticello and Becker are known as energy cities. It is likely that the area would draw interest in other types of energy systems such as solar. Newberger indicated he is a supporter of solar energy but recognizes that support is also needed for existing systems of coal and nuclear. The Renewable Energy Standard has a goal of "25 by 25 ", using renewable energy sources for at least 25% of total consumption by the year 2025. Two weeks ago, the legislature learned that the Renewal Energy Standard could require up to 14,000 acres for solar projects and 900 new wind turbines to meet its goals. It appears that more consideration is needed to determine how those standards would be implemented, and currently there is minimal regulation for solar energy. Rep Marion O'Neill is introducing a bill in the House that would establish rules governing new industrial or commercial solar systems of more than 50 megawatts. Such systems would need county board approval in addition to any PUC requirements. In state discussions, they Have also recommended that the bill should have a component for reclamation of land when solar farms fail or go out of business. Rep. Newberger encouraged the city to express their support for these bills and to encourage Governor Dayton to support these efforts. Our state representatives are working on this issue and will continue their efforts. When the bill comes up for a hearing, the city will be contacted by Marion O'Neill. Tom Perrault asked what will be included in the component of the bill related to reclamation of land. Rep. Newberger said that is being worked on and he does not have that information yet. He used wind turbines as an example of the issues which can be created; each turbine requires a lot of concrete to anchor the structure. When a City Council Special Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 2 turbine is retired, it would be a significant task to remove all of the concrete and dispose of it. Steve Grittman asked if there has been any pushback from solar developers yet. Newberger stated that he hasn't heard of any yet; however, he would expect they would support this legislation since it provides guidelines under which they can work on developing large solar systems. 4. Consideration of a letter of support as related to solar energy legislation Brian Stumpf suggested that this item be added to the end of the regular meeting agenda. 5. Adjournment TOM PERRAULT MOVED TO ADJOURN THE SPECIAL MEETING AT 6:45 P.M. LLOYD HILGART SECONDED THE MOTION. MOTION CARRIED 4 -0. Recorder: Catherine M. Shuman C' M,5 Approved: February 23, 2015 Attest: ty inistrator City Council Special Meeting Minutes — February 9, 2015 Page 3