05-05-2020 City Council Meeting Minutes

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City Council Minutes May 5, 2020 Page 4 of 19 ----------------------------- the staff reviews them, it goes to the Police Chief and the Public Works Director to see if they have any concerns. Ms. Malecha said the staff makes sure that the insurance meets City standards and that there is an indemnification agreement that is signed off on. She said this is a formality that the Ciry requires for all special events therefore in her opinion the decision making authority rests with the Chamber. 5.1.6. Beanhole Davs 5.1.C. Bands in the Park Proaram Nancy Malecha confirmed that the Council was of with proceeding with the Bands in the Park Program. A consensus of the Council was to continue with the Bands in the Park Program per the schedule. Council Member Pederson stated that they need to keep announcing that people need to social distance and wear masks. Council Member Swanson stated that the Council should keep the spirit alive and people need something to be happy about. The Council also agreed that if people are scared to come out that they should not come out. 6. P�anninq and Zoninq 6.1. Planninq Commission Report The April 27, 2020 Planning Commission Report was received by Council. 6.2. SolSmart Designation Dawn Bittner stated that the Planning Commission held their March and April meetings and they are sending the City Council one recommendation for the SolSmart designation. She stated the City recently adopted ordinance language to allow solar energy systems. She said the Planning Commission learned there is a program available to municipalities that reduces unnecessary"soft costs"for residents, businesses, and local governments that are interested in installing solar and to provide recognition to communities that have done so. Ms. Bittner stated the Planning Commission is recommending the city of the SolSmart designation and would be tasked with the implementation of solar development into the City's comprehensive plan, ordinances, and permitting. She said the City Administrator is planning to include the City and the Minnesota GreenStep Cities Program, which would coordinate with the SolSmart program as well. Ms. Bittner stated that one of the questions they anticipated the Council may have questions about would be regarding as a reduction in soft costs and what those costs would be. She stated for individuals or businesses that are looking to install solar systems on their property that are the non-hardware costs of installing the solar such as permitting, financing, installation, labor and customer acquisition. She said other communities noted these costs actually make up a significant portion of solar installation, reducing the return on their investment. Ms. Bittner stated that some soft costs can be reduced through the use of best