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Code committee approves annexation for parcels eyed for solar farm; aldermen press for local‑hire commitments
Summary
The Code & Regulation Committee approved annexation agreements for three parcels (Export Road and Prairie Road) linked to a planned solar farm; aldermen asked staff to pursue workforce development commitments from the developer and to explore opportunities for local training programs to participate.
The Code & Regulation Committee advanced annexation agreements for parcels on Export Road and Prairie Road that staff said are being marketed for a full solar farm development by a firm identified as Solar America. Staff explained annexation would give the city regulatory control rather than leaving the development to county rules; zoning and special‑use permits will follow through the ZBA process.
Members debated whether to lay the agreements over to require a workforce development clause connecting the project to local training programs (CJA hub, IBW cohorts). Staff said they would need to re‑engage the property owner and developer to negotiate any workforce commitments. The committee voted to approve the annexations in committee after discussion and stated intent to follow up with the developer about local hiring and training opportunities.
