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VADNAIS HEIGHTS LIONS: Induct new members, recognize current members PAGE 11
City Council establishes moratorium on solar panels BY ERIK SUCHY STAFF WRITER
Vadnais Heights residents looking to install ground-mounted solar panels should not expect to do so anytime soon. The City Council has passed a one-year moratorium on new applications for groundmounted solar panels, allowing the city to explore current performance standards. Through the moratorium, the council has determined there is a “need for further study of regulation of solar panels to determine whether amendments or additions to official controls may be necessary to protect the
health, safety or welfare of city residents.” Several residents have already spoken out against having any new solar panels installed throughout the city. “Although we support those who want to use solar energy, we believe that roof-mounted solar is a much better option,” said Laurie and Kathie Backes in a letter to the council. “Groundmounted units visible to the street or neighbors are unsightly and will likely impact the value of a neighbor’s property. If the city decides to allow ground-mounted solar, we feel these should be considered an accessory structure and be limited to the number, size and location that would be allowed for a secondary structure on a residential lot.”
“Allowing them in commercial and industrial areas—and determining what constitutes their appropriate installation—may be worth the council’s consideration, but such solar arrays are not appropriate in residential neighborhoods,” said fellow resident William Denker. “They clearly not only look out of place, but also present safety concerns for residents and create an eyesore that negatively affects property values for neighbors.” “I have stopped by and met Dennis Dunn and viewed the large solar array in his neighbor’s yard and would be very upset if I had to look at that from SEE SOLAR FARMS, PAGE 20
Local mom blooms urban flower farm BY SHANNON GRANHOLM MANAGING EDITOR
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Summer boating season tips Leading into the start of the summer boating season, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Matthew Miller shares water safety tips and best practices near the boat landing at White Bear Lake County Park. Some of the water safety tips include avoiding the consumption of alcohol while operating watercraft, minimizing distractions, making sure you have proper and working safety equipment and having enough life jackets on the boat. He says that 90% of boating deaths in Minnesota involve people who aren’t wearing life jackets. Boaters should be aware of a new law expanding training requirements starting July 1.
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You name the flower, she grows it. White Bear Lake native Gina Kieger is an urban flower farmer whose business, Backyard Flower Farm LLC, now three years in the making, continues to blossom. “The business is growing naturally in the community, and it’s nice to see everyone enjoying fresh, locally grown flowers,” she said. Kieger, a 2001 White Bear Lake grad, has an interior design background. After she and her husband Jason had infertility struggles for several years, she decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom to her three children, now ages 10, 6 and 3. With her family complete, Kieger said, “I needed a little something for me.” She was scrolling on Pinterest one day when she stumbled upon a picture from Floret Flowers, a small family farm in Washington. “I thought, ‘those are the most beautiful rose snapdragons I have ever
seen,’” she recalled. Kieger visited the business’ website and learned that the farm was situated on 2 acres. “I had no idea that you could grow that many flowers in such a small space,” she said. “I just dove into it. I love flowers, I love being creative and I know how to grow stuff … When I go in, it’s a little obsessive, but I’m all in.” As a stay-at-home mom, and with a background in retail and furniture sales, she was missing interaction with the community. In her first year, she focused on flower subscriptions. In SEE FLOWER FARM, PAGE 19
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