Peoria Standard

City of Lacon City Council met April 9.

Here is the minutes provided by the Council:

Acting Mayor John Wabel opened the meeting with the pledge of allegiance. Answering roll call were Aldermen: Jason; Hattan; Modro; Wabel; Strawn & Hoskins. City Clerk Anderle was also present.

Approval of Minutes-

Alderman Hattan moved to approve the March 12, 2018 Regular City Council minutes. Alderman Strawn seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes.

Pay Monthly Bills-

Alderman Strawn moved to authorize payment of bills as presented with the addition of bill for Davis concrete in the amount of $4,392.50. Alderman Jason seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes.

New Business-

Terese Cochran from the Lacon Chamber of Commerce asked the council for permission to have their annual Bridge Walk on June 2, 2018 with closure of the east bound lane from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Alderman Modro made a motion to approve IDOT Resolution for temporary closure of one lane on June 2nd for the Lacon Chamber Bridge Walk. Alderman Jason seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes.

Alderman Modro made a motion to Approve Project Facelift Grant application in the amount of $3,775.00 for Victoria’s Diner for new windows, handrailing and lighting. Alderman Strawn seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes.

Acting Mayor Wabel presented to the council spreadsheets with choices for contracts with three Solar Companies interested in leasing city property in the Industrial Park. Wabel informed the council he has met with all three companies and two have presented their contracts at previous council meetings. Wabel stated he and Alderman Hattan met with Sunrise Energy Ventures.

1. Innovative Power System contract: 16 acres with a 35 year lease at $1,200 an acre annually with a 2% annual increase, and up to 40% of electricity can be sold to local subscribers.

2. Trajectory Energy Partners contract: 19 to 26 acres with a 35 year lease at $1,000 an acre annually with a 2% annual increase, and up to 40% of electricity can be sold to local subscribers.

3. Sunrise Energy Ventures contract: 20 acres with a 35 year lease at $1,300 an acre annually with a 2% annual increase, no subscribers, they keep electric and offer higher rent.

Wabel stated we will have to make a decision this evening to proceed with a contract so we can allow the city attorney to publish a public notice in the paper to notify the cities intention to sign a 35 year lease. Alderman Hoskins asked if we should ask for guidance from Ameren. Hoskins asked when the letting with the state takes place and if we need to rush this decision. Wabel was not sure of the date of state letting but thought there were several done a year. Hoskins stated she would like more information about contracts. Discussion about sun tracking panels producing more energy versus stationary panels. Trajectory was the only contract with sun tracking panels. Wabel stated we don’t care, all were doing is leasing the ground the solar company make the decision about what kind of panels etc. Wabel stated we would never make this kind of income from farming or selling the ground, we owe residents of Lacon to take advantage of this income to build better roads, etc. Larry Wigand from cemetery board and Hank Gauwitz from Marshall County Board both spoke about their favorable dealings with Trajectory Energy Partners. Gauwitz stated Trajectory may not pay higher lease amount but they will use local labor and energy savings could be used for local schools. Alderman Strawn asked if Sunrise Energy uses out of state contractors or local. Wabel stated Sunrise will use thier crew and have local people do the work. Discussion about whether Sunrise Energy Ventures should present to the council. Wabel stated it comes down to how much land we are willing to lease and amount we want to lease per acre.

Alderman Strawn made a motion not to proceed with Innovative Power System. Alderman Jason seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes, motion passed.

Alderman Modro stated before we decide between the last two we need to decide if we want to do 19 or 26 acres with Trajectory Energy.

Alderman Hattan made a motion not to proceed with Trajectory Energy Partner. Alderman Jason seconded. Roll call: 3 ayes, 2 nays, 1 abstain, motion passed.

Alderman Hattan made a motion to proceed with Sunrise Energy Ventures. Alderman Wabel seconded. Roll call: 3 ayes, 2 nays, 1 abstain, motion passed.

Acting Mayor stated he spoke with Zoning Officer Bob Carroll about zoning change for solar farms, Carroll thought we could issue a special use permit for the solar farm in the light industrial zoning.

Alderman Reports-

Alderman Strawn reported sidewalk projects are being completed weather permitting.

Alderman Modro reported finance meeting is April 11th at 6:30 p.m.

Alderman Hattan reported we have one of two pumps out at the N. Prairie lift station by Club LaCon, a new pump has been ordered and we will also be doing some electrical work at this lift station.

Wabel thanked the council for their work on the solar decision.

Clerk Anderle reported 80 bags were handed out at the Easter Egg Hunt, and was under budget at $511 for treats, advertising and bags.

General Fund:

Checking: $122,429.05

General Fund MMDA $280,283.13

US Bank (Illinois Funds) $ closed

Water & Sewer Fund:

Checking: $ 163,141.41

W & S MMDA: $ 64,467.47

Band Fund: $11,054.40

Motor Fuel Tax:

Checking: -0-

MMDA: $356,724.97

US Bank $ closed

TIF Fund:

TIF I MMDA: $702,735.34

TIF II MMDA: $ 38,555.40

TIF III MMDA: $ 62,443.23

TIF IV MMDA: $ 4,642.99

TIF V MMDA: $ 10,956.67

Alderman Strawn moved to adjourn at 7:55 p.m. Aldermen Modro seconded. Roll call: 6 ayes.

http://www.laconcity.com/2018%20-April%209,%20Regular%20City%20Council%20Meeting.pdf