Kewanee council updates large-solar rules and approves Indigo Solar permit with conditions
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Summary
The Kewanee City Council approved changes to the city's large-solar permitting rules and granted a special-use permit to Indigo Solar, LLC with amended stipulations; the project includes a $25,000 donation to the Police Department's DAART program and allows a local institution to use 40% of production.
The Kewanee City Council on Feb. 23 approved an amendment to the city's large-solar permit rules and granted a special-use permit to Indigo Solar, LLC for a site south of 1051 W South St., with unanimous 3-0 votes and a short set of permit amendments.
Council members said they supported a clearer, standardized set of rules for large solar installations sited next to residential areas. Councilmember Cernovich said he initially questioned changing the code but, after reviewing Plan Commission minutes, agreed a change was needed and asked that standards for solar near homes be clarified. Director of Building and Zoning Keith Edwards said he would look into developing standard rules.
During the special-use permit discussion, Kiersten Sheets, identified as senior project development manager with Trajectory Energy Partners, described updates to the project and said the developer would make a $25,000 donation to the Police Department's DAART program when the array goes online. A representative from OSF told council the institution would be allowed to use 40% of the array's production and said the project would benefit their operations and the community. The Andersons, neighboring property owners, raised concerns that council members said were addressed during the discussion. Planning Commission member Joel Hasse recommended additional stipulations.
Councilmember Cernovich moved an amendment to the special-use permit to remove the phrase "and assigns" from Stipulation 1 and to add the word "staggered" to Stipulation 6; councilmember Baker seconded the amendment and it passed 3-0. The council then approved the special-use permit as amended by a 3-0 vote.
The ordinance amending Section 160.170 (Permits Required for Large Solar Energy Systems) was approved 3-0; councilmembers said the amendment is intended to provide clearer, standardized rules for siting and permitting large solar arrays adjacent to residential neighborhoods.
What happens next: Building and zoning staff will develop standard rules or guidance for residential adjacency as directed; the Indigo Solar permit will proceed under the amended stipulations.