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THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2024 VOL. 21 NO. 15 www.readthecitizen.com $1.00
WASHINGTON COUNTY: Provides update on Highway 61 visioning study PAGE 11
Solar farms: Back to ‘drawing board’ BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
HUGO — Members of the Planning Commission and City Council agree that they don’t want to enact a citywide ban on solar farms just yet, but want to go back to the drawing board to consider revisions to the ordinance. After listening to input from residents, the Planning Commission recommends the City Council deny an amendment to its ordinance prohibiting solar farms. There are two types of solar according to Associate Planner Max Gort. “Accessory solar” means solar panels that are mounted on a roof, or a smaller system mounted on the ground. “They are not the primary land use on site. They only generate power to provide energy for things on site,” Gort said. But a solar farm is considered the primary land use and tends to be much larger. “They generate power to be distributed offsite to customers,” he said. The proposed ban would
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Night to Unite will be Tuesday, Aug. 6. Be sure to register your party with your city or local police department.
Annual ‘Night to Unite’ to take place in August
only apply to solar farms, not accessory solar. “The community is still having a lot of the same negative reactions to solar farms even after some significant revisions were made,” Gort said. “Where do we want the ordinance to go from here?” Resident John Udstuen, who lives close to the denied solar farm application off Everton Avenue, said he was not opposed to personal solar farms, but he did have an issue with large businesses coming in and operating solar farms, which he described as a “factory.” “I agree with people having a right to do what they want with their land. I’m going to have a solar panel … so I can produce income for me to live, that makes sense to me,” he said. “We have got to look into the future with these solar farms. They are a business. You are producing for hundreds of people. We can’t destroy the integrity and the future of the city.” Resident Arnie Triemert SEE SOLAR FARMS, PAGE 2
Night to Unite, also known as National Night Out, takes place the first Tuesday in August throughout the communities of Hugo and Centerville and statewide. This year, Night to Unite will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at various parties through the two cities. National Night Out is a statewide event that builds
and fosters community bonds between citizens, businesses and public safety organizations, such as the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Neighborhoods and public safety personnel get together for an evening to promote safe communities. Residents might get a visit from elected officials as well as deputies from the Washington
County Sheriff’s Office, and officers form the Centennial Lakes Police Department and firefighters from the Hugo Fire Department and Centennial Fire District.
Night to Unite Goals: • Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness. • Generate support and participation in crime prevention and community policing programs. • Strengthen neighborhood spirits and public safetycommunity partnerships. • Let criminals know that you are committed to keeping your neighborhood safe.
Activity Ideas: • Simple refreshment: Bring your favorite snack, minidonut stand, watermelon, lemonade and cookies. • Group conversations and mixers: “Neighbor of the year” award, have an icebreaker, skill swap, photo contest and scavenger/ medallion hunt.
• Activities for youth: The Centerville Lions Club is celebrating 50 years of Bicycle parade, chalk art, face meaningful friendships and serving the Centerville compainting or a coloring contest. munity. • All-ages Activities: Book From three charter members in 1974 to 29 members in exchange, parade, sing-along/ 2024, the Centerville Lions have remained a steady pillar karaoke, talent show and of support for Centerville and its surrounding communigarden tour on the block. ties. In the last decade, the Club has donated over $120,000 • Contribute to your to their community and Lions Foundations. community: Collect for a A great deal has changed since the Centerville Lions food shelf, plan a fall clean inception in 1974. The COVID-19 pandemic was the biggest up or volunteer at an animal catalyst of change, asAFTER it forcedOF$25 the clubOR to reimagine many IN SMALLER PRINT RIGHT shelter. of their traditions and events.
Centerville Lions celebrate 50th anniversary
For more information, or to register your party, visit https://www.ci.hugo.mn.us or
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Madeline Dolby
SEE LIONS ANNIVERSARY, PAGE 9
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