Two companies presented solar farm proposals to the board at the recent Clear Lake Township meeting.

 

Joe Tierney of Sunrise Energy Ventures presented a proposal for a new five mega-watt solar farm. They have two phases to their plan, the first for the five mega-watt solar farm with a targeted installation of 2016, and the second for a 15 mega-watt solar farm. 

 

They will be placing border trees for screening purposes and a performance bond method of financing the project for decommissioning.

 

Supervisor Bud Stimmler agreed on all points except the method of financing. He stated the board prefers cash up front as opposed to the performance bond.

 

The board agreed to submit a favorable recommendation to the county but will express their desire for a cash up front method of financing.

 

Phil Carlson of Stantec presented a proposal to the board for a new five mega-watt solar farm.

 

The board raised a few concerns, including the disclosure that a separate developer will construct another solar farm adjacent to the property, the fact that the proposed property is currently leased to a crop farming operation, and the possible installation of an 85-foot antenna on the site. They also had just received the documents one day prior to the meeting, so they hadn’t had time to thoroughly review them.

 

Stimmler indicated he would contact the county with their concerns before submitting the comment form to the county.

 

Engineer Terrance Vander Eyk told the board the seal coat bid has been sent to the contractor. He discussed the county let out bids on March 1 that were for overlay projects; the low bid came in at $45,612 from Hard Drives, Inc. Supervisor Joe Goenner made a motion to award the contract to Hard Drives, which passed.

 

A request was for the board to look at excessive cracks on 70th Ave. between Co Rd 8 and 24. 

 

The spring road tour is scheduled for April 14 at 5 p.m.

 

Cleanup Day is scheduled for Sat. May 7. Costs to charge residents who deliver items for disposal will be discussed at the April meeting.

 

Deputy Chris Aleshire reported there were 78 calls for service in February, including 37 traffic violations, two thefts, four accidents and three medical.

 

The next Clear Lake Township meeting will be on April 19 at 7 p.m.