Florence City Council March 18
All City Council members and Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger were present.
AGENDA POINT 1 – Discussion on Solar Energy Construction in Florence. Key components:
- Will require businesses to maintain solar panels that cannot be seen off their properties
- Ground mounted solar panels are effectively banned due to space requirements
- Solar panels on private homes must be on roofs and follow the contours of the roofs
Councilwoman Cable asked about the public meetings on this subject. Councilwoman Wingo and City Manager Hunt stated there has been a county level public meeting already on the issue. That meeting was at 9 a.m., a time most working people cannot attend.
Councilwoman Cable asked about a city level meeting at a time when working people could attend. Councilwoman Wingo and City Manager Hunt gave the impression they did not feel there was a need for such a meeting.
Councilwoman Whalen supported Councilwoman Cable’s comments about the need for a public hearing.
Councilwoman Cable put forward a motion to have a public meeting on the issue. This was seconded by both Councilwoman Chambers and Whalen. There was a sense the motion would not have passed if Councilwoman Whalen had not spoken in support of Councilwoman Cable’s motion for a public meeting.
The council then voted 6-0 to have a public meeting on solar panels in the City of Florence.
AGENDA POINT 2 – The new Mike’s Car Wash at approximately 8534 US 42 is requesting additional adjustments to their Concept Plan, as business signs were not initially included. Mike’s Car Wash wants to add a digital sign along US 42 and increase the sign size on Old Toll Road. The digital sign, in concept, would match signs already in place by Culvers (8554 US 42) and Ace Hardware (8515 US 42).
Agenda Points 1 and 2 will have final readings at later meetings.
AGENDA POINT 3 – The mayor’s report:
- Florence Police Department Citizen Police Academy scheduled for Wednesdays. Apply here.
- Public Works Academy June 9-July 25; deadline to apply is May 9
- Youth in Government Program March 25
- Coffee with the Mayor March 28
- City photo contest
- Easter egg hunt
- Great American Clean Up April 26