Council committee recommends 8-foot opaque fence for proposed 203 Madigan ground‑mount solar array

City staff and committee members discussed a ground‑mount solar array proposed at 203 Madigan Drive on May 13 and voted to place the permit request on the regular agenda with a recommendation for an 8‑foot opaque fence on the north and east sides.

Mister Woodhall, who presented the project packet and committee recommendation, said the applicant originally designed the site with a 12‑foot fence but favored an 8‑foot fence because the 12‑foot option increases project costs by roughly 20 percent. "The cost difference with regards to them having to go from the 8 to the 12 foot fence is substantial. It equates about 20% of the overall project," Woodhall said. He also noted the project site is largely out of public view behind the banquet center.

Committee members and applicants discussed operational and shading implications: a taller fence adjacent to the southern panel rows would require additional setbacks to avoid shading and could reduce productive panel area. Several council members said an 8‑foot opaque fence along the sides visible from the restaurant parking area would address visual concerns while lowering costs for the small business applicant.

The committee also noted that the city ordinance as drafted ties fence height to panel height (no higher than 12 feet) and that the committee structure allows site‑specific recommendations. After discussion, the committee directed staff to place item number 12 on the regular agenda with the recommended 8‑foot fence and opaque screening on the north and east sides.

No final permit approval or code amendment was adopted at the committee meeting; the matter will return to the full council for a vote.