There were enough concerns raised by area residents to prompt a delay in the vote last night for a solar field east of Jacksonville.
The proposed site is part of a 40 year lease agreement for Nexamp, who wants to put in a 3 and a half megawatt solar field from just south of Morton on the east side of Blacks Lane to the railroad tracks.
Nexamp has already agreed to rework the access roads for the project to keep trucks off Black’s Lane, promise the city $100-thousand to spend as the council wishes, remove a vacant house on the east side of Black’s Lane, and give nearby residents first shot at a power bill credit.
But, Ben Cox, one of the residents of Prairie Knolls says residents are caught between a tax credit for solar power from Nexamp, and the city’s aggregate power supply agreement. Apparently, residents can’t do both.
Initially, there was a motion to approve the rezoning, but it was tabled after some discussion.
There were six residents of Prairie Knolls attending the meeting.
Alderwoman Lori Large Oldenettal says there are still too many questions.
Oldenettal says she wants direction from Nexamp as to how the city should distribute the $100-thousand gift.
She said distribution of the gift should not be left solely to the city.
Questions from the neighbors included whether or not the panels would create a flooding issue, what happens to nearby wildlife, and possible toxicity concerns from the panels.
The council witnessed the promotion of Luke Poore to chief of detectives. He replaces Kyle Chumley who moved over as one of the police department’s deputy chiefs.
Community development director Brian Nyberg says Cherry Apartments at 342 West State could be coming down over the next two weeks.
And, aldermen approved a new two year contract with city hall workers.