Florence City Council Public Forum on Solar Panels April 15

All City Council members and Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger were present. Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger opened the meeting. Mayor Aubuchon-Metzger asked those speaking to make sure their names were added to the list for speaking and advised all planning to speak to limit their concerns regarding only the City Solar Ordinance planning for this forum.

Speakers:

Brandon Ashcraft advised he helps with energy upgrades for his employer. He has concerns about the definitions of “wiring enclosures” visibility and how the city would address that issue. He also suggested the city install solar panel “car ports” in their parking lots so people would have relatively cool cars when they were done visiting the Florence Aquatic Center.

Jonathan Andrews stated he had been a nuclear technician on submarines and now was an industrial electrician. He currently has a solar array on his home. He is paid by Duke Energy for any extra energy “pumped” back into the grid. He has permits from the city for the solar array.  He made it quite clear no one talked to him about the issue the city was trying to address due to his home engineered expertise on the issue.

Naomi Liebson addressed the issue of climate change and requested the city form a Climate Change committee as she said other cities have done. Ms. Liebson believes the city needs to be more in touch with the Boone County Conservation board.

Ed Arnold made it quite clear that though he does not live in the city, he pays taxes to Florence and therefore was determined to speak. He pointed out the city does not enforce its current ordinances so how does the city expect to be able to enforce a new ordinance on solar panels when it is already failing at the basics of being a city. As an example of city failure, he described “cars on blocks in front yards.” Mr. Arnold stated he considers a solar panel ordinance to be one more assault on freedom by the city.

Zeb Gentry stated he has solar panels currently and he does not believe his panels, as installed, would meet the new code. He wanted to know how the city would address grandfathering. He also asked for clear definitions on solar panel battery and EV battery home standards addressed in the ordinance.It was made clear lights such as flag lights and solar deck lights are allowed by the ordinance and are considered a separate issue.Council members Chambers and Cable thanked everyone for coming.