Motion by Vice Chair Robert Montgomery, Second by Member Jim Martzke Chair DePew noted two errors: correction of the docket number for Cochise Stronghold Solar, it was noted as SU 23-27, while it should have been SU 23-26. And there was inconsistent spelling of Commissioner Limbach's name. Staff subsequently corrected both errors, as requested, to the published minutes.

Vote: 5 - 0 Approved

Motion by Member Jim Martzke, Second by Member Randall Limbach Chair DePew asked for the commission to consider removing this docket from the table, which it was placed on during the November 8, 2023 regular meeting. Member Martzke made the motion, Member Saunders seconded the motion. This item was removed from the table by a vote of 7-0.
Staff provided a presentation, which is preserved to the file. Applicants Patrick Ledger and Jason Bowling provided the applicants' statement, which included a powerpoint presentation.
Shanna Wu spoke in opposition to the request, Jason Wu spoke in opposition to the request. Nancy Olmstead spoke in opposition to the request. Mike Nelson spoke in favor of the request. Bill Cook spoke in favor of the request. George Scott spoke in favor of the request. Wayne Gregan spoke in opposition to the request. Joe Konrad spoke in favor of the request.
The applicants provided a rebuttal.
Commission discussion: Member Limbach requested additional information about insurance coverage for acts of god. Member Watkins asked about the number of acres under panels and asked about the water savings of solar panels versus steam generation. Member Gonzalez asked whether additional coordination could occur between the applicant and those impacted by the project. Vice Chair Montgomery asked whether the impetus for the project was federal mandates related to clean energy production. Member Watkins asked about the projected lifespan and improvement plans for the facility. Vice Chair Montgomery asked about the ground coverage ratio. Member Gonzalez asked about avian impacts, wildlife impacts, and environmental remediation. Member Watkins asked about avian impacts on the existing solar facility. Vice Chair Montgomery asked about the maintenance and security schedule for the facility. Chair DePew asked why the applicant was moving away from current technology to solar. She asked about the ownership of the panels following project construction. Member Limbach read a statement which encompassed his concerns regarding the request.
Staff recommended conditional approval. The request was approved (5-2).

Vote: 5 - 2 Approved

NO:

Chair Kim DePew
Member Randall Limbach

Motion by Member Jim Martzke, Second by Vice Chairman Larry Saunders Staff provided a presentation, which is preserved with the file.
Applicant Bruce Hart provided the applicant's statement,
Commission discussion: Member Limbach noted a water usage typo on the application.
Staff recommended conditional approval. The request was approved (7-0).

Vote: 7 - 0 Approved

Motion by Member Randall Limbach, Second by Member Jim Martzke Staff provided a presentation, which is preserved with the file.
Applicant Don Buchholz provided the applicant's statement, which included a clarification of the request's energy production.
Kathy Klump spoke in favor of the request. Teresa Murphy provided a request for additional information. The applicant provided an applicant rebuttal.
Commission discussion: Member Watkins emphasized remoteness of the location. Member Limbach asked additional clarification questions regarding the decommissioning plan and bond financing (attached to the application). Vice Chair Montgomery asked about adjacent uses and infrastructure. Chair DePew asked staff to further explain the recommended use of Magnesium Chloride. member Watkins asked staff whether decommissioning is mandated or whether it needed to be attached to a condition. Vice Chair Montgomery asked the applicant about avian impact mitigation. He also asked about project construction timing and the status of an agreement with AEPCO. Member Watkins asked where the location of the closest transmission line. Vice Chair Montgomery asked whether fellow commissioners could confirm the remoteness of the area. Member Limbach stated during the vote that he had economic and environmental concerns, which is why he was voting no.
Staff recommended conditional approval. Request was approved (4-3).

Vote: 4 - 3 Approved

NO:

Chair Kim DePew
Member Gerry Gonzalez
Member Randall Limbach