The discussion surrounding solar farms took center stage, as concerns were raised about the aesthetic impact and efficiency of such installations. One commissioner voiced a strong opposition to solar farms, comparing them to the long-standing billboard moratorium in the county. The commissioner argued that solar farms disrupt the natural beauty of the area, particularly along major routes like the highway from Brainerd to the cities, and questioned their efficiency. This sentiment was shared by others who noted the visual impact on local landscapes and the use of valuable farmland.

The taxation of solar farms also emerged as a contentious issue. Commissioners highlighted a loophole that allows properties to be divided to benefit from lower tax rates if energy production remains below certain thresholds. This issue, noted as problematic in nearby counties such as Sherburne, is expected to be addressed by the Association of Minnesota Counties in the upcoming legislative session. The board considered implementing a moratorium on solar farm applications to allow time for the development of a ordinance. However, it was pointed out that with no pending applications, a moratorium might be unnecessary, and proactive ordinance development would be more effective.

The board discussed the need for clear and consistent regulations for solar farms, drawing on examples from other counties like Stearns, Murray, and Douglas. They emphasized the importance of having a well-planned ordinance in place before applications arise to avoid reactive measures. The conversation briefly touched on a solar field at the county airport, where the airport commission serves as the planning and zoning authority.

In parallel to the solar farm debate, the board revisited the ongoing ordinance revision process concerning shoreline buffers. The discussion focused on the introduction of new buffer requirements for General Development, Recreational Development, and natural environment lakes. Existing ordinances mandate buffers of varying widths for different lake types, but lack restoration provisions if vegetation has been removed to the water’s edge. There was a proposal to enforce stricter standards for natural environment lakes, potentially increasing the buffer to 75 feet for undisturbed areas while maintaining a minimum 25-foot buffer for lakes with prior disturbances.

The need for restoration requirements was emphasized, citing a previous incident on the Whitefish Chain where property owners were compelled to create a vegetation plan and provide financial assurance for restoration. Commissioners stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of natural environment lakes to protect water quality, with some expressing concerns about any ordinance changes that might weaken existing protections.

The ordinance revision process also involved a public hearing where concerns about potential reductions in vegetation restrictions on natural environment lakes were voiced. The planning commission recommended adopting the ordinance with amendments, including redefining “vegetated buffer” to “no maintenance buffer” and reconsidering the appropriateness of a 25-foot buffer for recreational and general development lakes.

Discussions also touched upon septic systems and compliance with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requirements, highlighting the need to update the local ordinance to align with current standards. Additionally, the board addressed a proposal to broadcast county board meetings on the Brainerd community channel, expanding access beyond YouTube. This initiative, supported by the commissioners, aims to increase public engagement by making meetings available on public television at no cost to the county.

The meeting concluded with an update on the state-mandated public waters inventory, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to review and potentially update designated public waters by 2032. This review will impact previously designated trout streams and public water wetlands. The board acknowledged the water requirements for data centers, which could affect their feasibility in areas without municipal water services.