Cultivate Power Senior Development Manager Bernardo Urdaneta updated the Carlyle City Council on a proposed solar project during the city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 14.
The solar energy facility would take up about 45 acres in a 162-acre parcel. The parcel is about 1.3 miles from Carlyle city limits.
Carlyle and Beckemeyer are both within a half mile of the proposed solar project on Highline Road.
Urdaneta met with Carlyle City Administrator Brad Myers about a year ago regarding the project. The project was denied by the county because of the lack of a pre-annexation agreement with the municipalities. Urdaneta said since then the county has amended its solar ordinance and a revised application has been submitted.
A public hearing has been scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. As part of the revised proposal, the project needs to meet or exceed the county's new recommended setbacks. The project is 1,020 feet from the nearest non-participating residence and the county's recommended setback is 750 feet.
Safety is important with the project. Cultivate Power will be working closely with Beckemeyer Fire Department to make sure they have the training and equipment in case they need to respond to an emergency. They will work with Wade Township to address the project's use of local roads during construction and help make sure those roads are protected.
Cultivate Power has made an effort to engage with the surrounding communities. They have reached out to nearby neighbors through letters and phone calls.
There will be an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Beckemeyer American Legion. Anyone who wants to learn more about the project, review the site plan, or speak with the Cultivate Power team is welcome to attend.
Carlyle Mayor Judy Smith said she gets phone calls from Mark Voss, whose ground sits adjacent from where the proposed solar facility is. Voss is against the solar farm facility. He is worried about the effect it will have on his livestock, the environment, and neighbors have done their research and know there is a low-pitched hum that is put off by the panels and they are concerned that will affect the livestock and wildlife in the area.
They have asked the council to take a stance as to whether or not they would ever want to annex that property into the city limits. Smith has been asked to attend the county board meeting, where they will ask her how the city feels about the solar farm facility. Smith said before the council has said they have no desire to annex that property into city limits.
City Attorney Joe Heiligenstein said Urdaneta mentioned a change in the county code for solar farms, but he was unaware of any change in the code. Without knowing what the changes are, Heiligenstein said it is difficult to develop an opinion on the issue. Heiligenstein said he wants to make sure everyone is aware of the law before making a decision.
"I will find out what the changes are, so that everyone on the council is in the know, rather than in the dark," Heiligenstein said.
During her mayor's report, Smith thanked alderman Scott Diekemper for helping water the trees on State Highway 127 for about two weeks.
There was a ribbon cutting at Carlyle Abstract Co. on Sept. 11. They moved to the corner of Ninth and Franklin.
Street and Alley will be oiling and chipping streets Sept. 22-24. They will oil and chip Ridge, Methodist and Washington streets and all of the connecting numbered streets. September 25 is the rain date.
City-wide clean-up week will be Sept. 30, Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 3.
On Saturday, Sept. 19, at 3 p.m. there will be a dedication at the dog park for Sadie's bench.
During the electric portion of the meeting, the council approved the purchase of materials needed for the air compressors at the power plant. They need an after cooler, separator, prefilter and a high-pressure drain. Two of those cost $17,033 not including labor, mileage or travel time. The council approved the project not to exceed $25,000.
The council approved the purchase of compressed air cooling equipment. Three 2,400-vault breakers will be replaced at substations. The council was informed about installation of pipe at the new veterinary hospital.
A bid of $32,659 from Martin Roofing for City Hall roof repair was approved. A $500,000 transfer from sewer reserve to sewer improvement fund was approved.
The council approved bids from Dan Kluemke for surplus vehicles. Kluemke bid $475 for a Ford Explorer and $2,878 for a dump truck. Those were the only bids that came in.
The council was informed about a sewer issue in the 500 block of Jefferson Street. There is an issue with an 18-inch sewer line between Fifth and Sixth street on Jefferson Street. It is lineable now, but it would be costly if the line would collapse.
The council approved bidding out crosswalk upgrades at Carlyle Junior High School. The crosswalk is north to the existing entrance of the junior high. The entrance to the junior high will become an exit.
The demolition cost of $6,000 for the removal of trailers at 11th and Ridge Street starting Oct. 19 was approved. The owner has been notified, and he can have it taken down for $6,000 on his own before Oct. 19.
The council approved police officers to drive and park city-owned vehicles at their residences located outside of the city limits within a 20-mile radius.
The council was informed of items that will be replaced at the Carlyle City Pool. Cost will be about $32,000.
The next Carlyle City Council meeting is at 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 28.
