DRAFT

TOWN OF WHITEWATER
Minutes
SPECIAL MEETING
APRIL 30, 2024
8:30 AM

 

Lowell called the meeting to order at 8:30 AM

In attendance: Lowell, Bob, Jon Jorja

Bob made a motion to approve the agenda as written, seconded by Jon and the motion carried.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss/decide granting conditional use and variance for One Energy to install a solar panel farm at or near the intersection of Hwy 89 and Island Rd.

Comments:

Jon asked about the issue surrounding the potential damages to the roads due to the heavy equipment required to construct the solar farm. He feels that part of the requirement for granting the solar farm is a road assessment before and after the project using an engineering firm. Batterman is suggested.

Lowell asked what happens to the panels at the end of their usefulness. Peter,

Peter Murphy, One Energy, indicates that the lease agreement that will be in force with WE Energies includes removing product at the end of the lifetime of panels. They include a deconditioning plan to the County. WE Energies will be responsible for that removal. WE Energies will lease the land, not purchase it.

Lowell wants to know what is in it for the Township. He also echoed Jon’s concern about road repair issues.

Peter shared that their normal process is to walk the road before beginning the construction. Usually, their assessment includes one of their employees and the Public Works person from the Town. He wants to work with Carl but feels that an engineer report is not necessary largely due to the cost.  Carl had shared with Jon that Batterman felt the assessment would only cost about $3000.00. Jon wants to remove any responsibility from Carl and still feels that an engineering firm is the best assurance.

Lowell stresses the Town wants to have assurances that the road will be repaired.

Bob stated that there should be a $50,000.00 bond that would cover the road through this initial construction phase.

Peter says One Energy has worked with CORRE Engineering on other projects and they are willing to engage them again. Jon prefers Batterman or someone else we know.

Larry Jacob was in attendance and asked what started the project. Energy One approached Dick and Pam Kraus who are the owners of the 30 acres that are proposed for the solar farm.

Larry also asked what is the purpose for installing panels and Bob said 1400 homes would be using the service. WE energy will lease the property and not own it.

What type of maintenance is involved. Peter says that there is no maintenance in this area since dust is not an issue in the area because this climate has enough rain to clear any dust.

With no further questions, Lowell made a motion to approve the solar farm project with the following condition:

 

• Road condition inspected with CORR Engineering or a comparable firm along with their people and Carl.
• A bond issued in the amount of $50,000.00
• Payment fees:  Conditional use fee: $250.00; Driveway permit (commercial) $500.00; variance permit $200.00; fire number $125.00 which totals $1075.00.

Bob seconded the motion and motion carried with 2 yes votes and one no.

 

Lowell made a motion to adjourn, Jon seconded the motion and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 9:00 AM.

 

Respectfully submitted Jorja Boiley, Clerk/Treasurer