A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the proposed 4-megawatt commercial solar farm in Kenyon. Megan Smith presented the application details, which involved developing approximately 35 acres of a 120-acre parcel owned by David and Mary Wickham, with New Leaf Energy as the applicant. The project, classified as a utility-scale solar energy system under the county’s ordinance, required a conditional use permit due to its scale. The Planning Advisory Commission had previously reviewed the application and recommended approval, noting compliance with county requirements and attaching four conditions to the permit. These conditions included notifying the county post-lease regarding project decommissioning, adherence to the Minnesota solar energy production tax, filing a construction stormwater permit, and the possibility of requiring financial security for decommissioning costs.

The board engaged in a detailed debate regarding the necessity of financial security for decommissioning. One commissioner expressed concern over the absence of a bond, citing the potential financial risks to the county if the project were abandoned. The board discussed the broader implications of requiring financial security for various land uses, noting that similar considerations should apply to other projects like large manure storage sites. The conversation emphasized taxpayer protection and responsible project decommissioning, with suggestions for county staff to research practices from other jurisdictions. Ultimately, the board decided to table the discussion until the next meeting, allowing time for further inquiry into the county’s historical stance on financial security for solar projects.

The meeting then transitioned to the preliminary plat request for Spring Garden Nursery, involving the subdivision of 6.5 acres into three lots outside Cannon Falls. The proposal met county zoning requirements but required alignment with Stanton Township regulations. Concerns were raised about access to the property, particularly the address associated with Spellbridgeidge Road, which lacked legal access for the subdivision. The board recommended terminating this address to clarify access issues. Additionally, the Minnesota Department of Transportation had limited access from Highway 19, permitting only one driveway.

A point of contention arose regarding a large outbuilding on the property, initially constructed for commercial use. Under the current zoning designation, the building could not be used for storage or commercial activity without submitting appropriate building plans. The board was cautious about potential misuse of the building as a storage facility without a residential structure. Following this discussion, a motion was made to approve the preliminary plat request with conditions, including the stipulation that the outbuilding could not be utilized until plans for its intended use were submitted and verified.

Further complicating the subdivision approval was the issue of setbacks and buildability, emphasized in a separate discussion. A commissioner raised concerns about the adequacy of the 40-foot setback for residential properties near a state highway. The usable area of the parcels was also questioned, with only 1.7 acres of each parcel outside the right-of-way, potentially limiting development. Another commissioner called for clarity on whether the parcels could accommodate necessary infrastructure, like septic systems and wells, advocating for a delay until more information was available.

Concerns were raised about the implications of approving the subdivision prematurely, possibly misleading property owners about the buildability of the lots. The board agreed that more information was necessary before making a decision, emphasizing the importance of ensuring compliance with existing ordinances and potential state regulations.

The meeting concluded with a review and approval of the county’s financial audit report, which received an unmodified opinion. The board viewed the audit positively before proceeding to approve county claims, wrapping up the financial matters on the agenda.