City of Gibson City Council met May 7.
Here is the agenda provided by the Council:
Call to order at 7:0 pm by Mayor Dan Dickey.
Roll Call:Ward #1Susan Tongate, present; alderman seat vacant
Ward #2Randy Wyant, present; Nelda Jordan, present
Ward #3 Doug Parsons, present; Scott Davis, present
Ward #4Dennis Pardick, absent; Laura Miller, absent
Jr Alderman Abby Spiller, absent; Jr. Alderman Mady Schutte, absent
Others present: City Superintendent Randy Stauffer, Officer Kaleb Kraft, Ross Brown (WGCY radio and Ford County Record), Rob Schmitt (GAHHS), Jeremy Darnell (GCMS), Steven Kelly (Earth One), Jan Hall, Jim and Joanne Fetzner, Karen Kummerow (Recycling), Gary Lutterbie (Jordan Pond), Kevin Seymour, Kory Trapp and Justin Brewer (Carbon Solution Group, Chicago) and Marc VanDungen (Midwestern Wind and Solar of Indiana.
Pledge of Allegiance: led by Rob Schmitt (GAHHS).
Mayor Dickey recognized visitors: Commercial and residential visitors here for the presentation with all being listed above.
Alderman Susie Tongate presented the idea for a Gibson City Cruise Night for the 3rd Friday Night from May to September between 6 pm and 10 pm as a summer activity to bring business to town. Council agreed on the idea and will act on the event at the next council meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
Presentation on Potential Solar Farm in the Gibson City area. Representatives from Carbon Solution Group (Chicago) and Midwestern Wind and Solar of Indiana were present to discuss the possibility of placing solar farms for energy in the Gibson City area. Marc Van Dungen reported that recent discussion with Mayor Dickey and Attorney Marc Miller has resulted in a possible option agreement. The farm allows for renewable energy to make its way into local communities. Kory Trapp said that each solar farm would produce 2 megawatts per year and would encompass between 15- 18 acres. The farm would have an initial lease term of 20 years, after which a 5 year extension could be added. He added that an initial application had been sent to Ameren Illinois informing them of the potential project details and that they are on board with the project. The 2 sites in Gibson City being considered is near the water plant and the other is in the Industrial park. Once the project is approved, there may be some upgrades needed which not be at the city’s expense. The solar energy would be available to commercial and approximately 200 residential Ameren customers at a fixed rate for a period of at least 20 years. Mr. Van Dungen explained that the city would benefit from the solar farm with approximately $40,000 annual savings for residential electricity bills. Unlike wind turbines in the larger cities, the solar farm would directly benefit Gibson City residents. Alderman Scott Davis asked about property tax values and was told that where the solar panels would be build would bring in about $12,000 to $16,000 per year. Those in attendance asked many questions about the program and seemed to agree with the project going forth, including positive feed back from businesses Earth One, GAHHS, and GCMS. Mayor Dickey thanked everyone in attendance for their interest and input.
Alderman Nelda Jordan motioned to table the proposed lease and option to the next meeting; second by Alderman Scott Davis. MC with 5 ayes.
ADJOURN: Alderman Susie Tongate motioned to adjourn; seconded by Alderman Scott Davis. Council was poled with 5 ayes.
http://www.gibsoncityillinois.com/images/Minutes_Monday_May7_-2018_Special.doc
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