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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – January 6, 2016 5 REPORTS A. Report from the City Council Council Liaison Holmes updated the Planning Commission on activities from the December 14, 2015, City Council Regular Meeting, noting the City Council adopted the budget for 2016 and set the final levy for taxes payable. The adopted budget was in the amount of $11,527,350. The tax levy was increased by 3.5 percent for a total taxes payable amount of $3,478.775. Council Liaison Holmes indicated that the City Council also approved Ordinance Number 2015-009 amending the public use dedication requirements in Section 1130.08 of the City Code. The purpose of the amendment was to ensure that sufficient resources will be available for park development on TCAAP, to clarify park dedication requirements throughout the City, and to affirm that these requirements may apply to redevelopment or reuse projects. The Planning Commission reviewed this item at their meeting on December 9, 2015, and recommended approval (5-1, Zimmerman). Council Liaison Holmes stated that representatives from Ramsey County and Xcel Energy presented preliminary plans for a proposed solar photovoltaic array on the Primer Tracer Area on AHATS at the Work Session on December 21, 2015. The proposed solar array would cover approximately 40 acres and generate between 5 and 8 megawatts of power. City staff provided an overview of changes to the Zoning Code that would need to be completed to accommodate the solar array development on the property. Council Liaison Holmes noted that the City Council continued their discussion on possible revisions to the Zoning Code to address thrift store businesses in the City. Staff presented findings on characteristics unique to these types of businesses that distinguish them from other retail uses. Proposed conditional use permit criteria for thrift stores were reviewed and the City Council discussed in what Zoning Districts thrift stores should be a permitted, conditional use, or not permitted. Council Liaison Holmes indicated that the Council would be holding seven interviews for the open Council seat next week. She noted the search for a new City Administrator was also progressing. She reported this was her last Planning Commission meeting as the Council Liaison and noted Mayor Grant would be serving as the Council Liaison in 2016. She thanked the Planning Commission for their dedicated service to the community. B. Planning Commission Comments and Requests Commissioner Holewa thanked staff for the thorough presentation and packet of information for this evening’s meeting.