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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 21, 2015 3 • Text Amendment to define a Solar Energy System and revise the purpose of the Conservation District (CD). • Text Amendment to add Solar Energy System to the Land Use Chart and include design standards for solar developments. City Planner Streff noted that the City was preparing to rezone the Primer Tracer Area to a Conservation District in 2014; however, because Ramsey County was in negotiations with the Federal Government, it was decided the City would pursue rezoning at a future date following acquisition of the property by Ramsey County. Councilmember Holden asked if Xcel Energy submitted a proposal to the State of Minnesota. Paul Lehman stated he is not familiar with that particular RFP but does not believe so. Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that Xcel and Ramsey County wanted to be made aware of any City Council concerns regarding rezoning for the Primer Tracer Area. She noted the proposed approach to the rezoning was also discussed with the City Attorney. Josh Olson, Ramsey County Community and Economic Development, indicated Paul Lehmann and Jerry Dittman of Xcel Energy would provide more detailed information regarding technical aspects and associated policies pertaining to solar arrays. He stated the concept for the solar array in the Primer Tracer Area stemmed from work performed cooperatively by the Joint Development Authority (JDA) and the Energy Resilience Advisory Board (ERAB). This framework was the foundation for the Energy Integration Resiliency Framework (EIRF) and was adopted by the JDA in April 2015. The EIRF identified two time sensitive opportunities: solar PV array proposed in the Primer Tracer Area and capturing thermal energy from the Army's ground water treatment system for heating and cooling of future development within Rice Creek Commons. Josh Olson stated that Ramsey County is currently negotiating with the GSA and feels progress is being made. He said that access for utilities and vehicles will be a challenge and that there will be some remediation necessary for this site. He also indicated that the Federal tax credit that was associated with this project was set to expire at the end of 2016 but has now been extended. Mayor Grant asked if there were any changes to the work session agenda. Councilmember Holden stated she would like to table Agenda Item I.D. Outdoor Display and Sales Zoning Regulations until a future work session. Mayor Grant tabled Agenda Item I.A. Ramsey County Transportation Update as the presentation occurred earlier in the evening. Councilmember McClung had no changes to the work session agenda. Mayor Grant stated the work session agenda was adopted as not containing Agenda Items LA. and I.D. Discussion returned to the solar array project.