January 3, 2023

Call to order at 7:00 pm by President Mat

Members answering roll call, President Diehl, Bob Asche, Bob Knoup, Mike Tichler, Kirk Knoup, Dave Dixon, Tim Martens, Cheryl Liebenstein and Jamie Melville.

The minutes from the December meeting were reviewed and accepted without dissent, by Dave. Second by Bob A. Motion Carried.

Committee made a motion to pay all bills as presented. Motion second by Dave.  Motion carried.

Bob K made a motion to approve the treasurer report as presented. Second by Kirk. Motion carried.

No transfer of funds needed

Maintenance Report

Rob noted that he has been picking up Christmas trees.

The Boco No Parking sign may need a different option beside a post.  There is too much underground utilities to dig for a post hole.

Visitors

The board had a video chat with Bill from Cenergy Solar, A California based company. President Mat noted that the board went through the PDF at our last meeting.  Cenergy Solar started as a Commercial/Industrial solar company and is now starting to do community solar. Illinois has solar mapping for the next ten years and this company would maximize the benefits to the community. On average, if the village did a 1 mega watt solar farm the company would pay the village $200,000.00.  If a 5 mega watt farm was installed the village would receive $500,000.00.  These are a lump sum payment.  Village residents would get 20% off their electric bills.

If land is purchased, the village would annex the parcel and we would receive some of the property taxes.

Cenergy Solar has previously done projects for Rockford Airport and Lake in the Woods. Bill said he would give references for us to call and discuss the projects. The company is looking for a parcel of land from 15 to 30 acres.

Board members questioned if they were looking to buy or lease the land.  Bill noted that they are open to both options. He said the easiest would be a land lease for 20 years with 2 options of 10 year extensions. Question regarding the duration of the panels.  Bill said most on average lasted twenty years.  The State of Illinois requires the company to have a Decommission Bond which would

cover the cost to remove the panels and turn the land back to its original state.

Question on how long before residents would see the savings.  The resident must opt in to save 20%.  They will be required to sign an agreement. This is a no cost saving for the resident. Residents would begin to see the savings in the next 1-2 billing cycles.

The solar install would not affect our electrical aggregation program.  The solar would give an additional 20% on top of what we save with the aggregation contract.  President Mat has spoken with Rock River energy and they see no concerns with this type of solar farm.

If a customer already has solar and opts in, they will only receive the 20% on bills with a remaining balance.

Rural residents or any Com Ed customer can opt in to the solar savings.

The village will be allowed to help design the solar farm.

Board members questioned what happens if the company changes hands.  The new owner will have to honor the contract and would still be liable for the decommissioning of the panels.

There is no investment cost from the village.

The next step would be determining a location, applying for Interconnection permits and annexation of the land, if needed.

Tim made a motion to pursue the community solar discussions with the village making the decision of where this would be located. Committee members will contact 9 property owners regarding any interest of land lease or sale.  Motion second by Bob A.  Motion carried.  The Solar committee will consist of Mike, Kirk and Mat.

Water Main Looping – The project is complete.  Total cost around $205,000.00 which came in under budget.

Well #3 – Project is complete and the final payment request has been listed on the bills to be paid.

Scott Johnson was present to inform the board that he will be the new owner of GT Auto Plaza.  He noted that he has already moved his Goldmine Components operation to the new location.  Scott is looking to expand and would like to know if the village has any available TIF funds. He would like to see a contract with him that is similar to the ones we have with Boco and Dollar General.  Scott was informed that he will need to bring to the board specifics

on his expansion and this would have to be looked at by our TIF attorney. The attorney office will then recommend a type of contract with him.

FINANCE/TIF FINANCE

No report

WATER/SEWER

The residents are happy with the water looping that has been done.

The committee would like to see a plan of action for the Water and Sewer and Rob’s duties so that board members will know what is to be done if Rob ever has a long-term absence,

STREETS/ALLEYS/LIGHTS/SIDEWALK

South St was patched after the water looping was done.  This street will be addressed in the spring for complete resurfacing.

BUILDINGS/GROUNDS

No report

CEMETERY

No report

 POLICE

There has been a complaint of overflowing dumpsters.  Fred will address the issue with the homeowner.

Warning tickets were issued on Main Street during our last snow cleanup.

Liquor

The temporary license has been given to Little John’s Tap for the softball fundraiser.

Old Business

New Business

Motion to adjourn at 9:10 by Dave.  Second by Kirk.  Motion carried.

Attest: Cheryl Liebenstein, Village Clerk