Macoupin County Board Economic Development Committee met Aug. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the committee:
I. CALL TO ORDER
PRESENT: Starr, Blank, Klausing, Rosentreter
ABSENT: Armour, Kilduff, Payne
II. AGENDA ITEMS
1. Presentation on Potential Use of MaRyan Mine for Energy Storage System
John Schmidt and Bill Hoback, representatives of the Guess Group, presented regarding a potential hydro-electric project in the MaRyan Mine site. Since this is a mining site not currently in use, they are hoping to use the existing infrastructure of the mine for this project. This hydro-power storage system would store power from some renewal energy sources that might not be available at peak times. For example, wind typically is strongest at night and early morning while power demand is greatest during the day and evening. They have applied for federal grant dollars for a small pilot program at this site which would demonstrate the use of equipment and proof of concept for use at other coal mine sites.
2. Discussion of Grain Belt Energy Line
Garrison discussed that there had been a request to adopt an ordinance requiring that any power lines that may come through the county as part of the Grain Belt Energy Line safely underground. Christian County had approved an ordinance a few months back. He had reached out to them to discuss what statutory authority the county had to pass an ordinance but hadn't heard anything back. There was a discussion about how the committee could pass a resolution which would just be them saying they want it to be that way as opposed to an ordinance which would require it. Garrison said he would like into if an ordinance can be passed but the committee could adopt a resolution.
Motion by Klausing, seconded by Rosentreter to recommend to the full Board a resolution stating that Grain Belt Energy Line bury any power lines safely below ground that may come through the county.
3. Solar Panel Ordinance
Garrison updated the Board on the solar panel ordinance. He had discussed the ordinance with the attorney hired to draft it and it should be ready for next month's meeting. The questions on it could be answered at that time.
4. Potential Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement for Lotus Wind
The committee agreed to table this until Cummins engineering was present to discus it.
http://macoupincountyil.iqm2.com/Citizens/FileOpen.aspx?Type=15&ID=3854&Inline=True
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