West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met March 25.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Committee of the Whole, of the Macomb City Council, met in the City Council Chambers on Monday, March 25, 2024 at 5:15 p.m. located in City Hall at 232 East Jackson Street, Macomb, IL.

Mayor Inman called the meeting to order and roll call was taken, Deputy City Clerk Jennifer Cerven called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Justin Schuch, John Vigezzi, Byron Shabazz, Dave Dorsett, Ashley Katz, Don Wynn, and Dennis Moon.

Also, in attendance were, City Administrator Scott Coker, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, Business Director Melissa Worley, and CDC John Bannon.

Public Comment: None

The first item on the agenda for discussion was on an ordinance to Authorize Issuance of a Special Use Permit to allow Large Scale Solar Energy System in an AG-1 Agriculture Zoned District at 280 Ember Road, Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night.

Mr. Alex Farkes the owner of 22C Development, and Ben Jacoby the Attorney for the project were present to speak.

CDC Bannon stated the project is a Solar Project located on Ember Road, North of Where Ember and Tower Road come together on the East side. It is approximately 20 acres under development. This was presented to the Planning Commission, with a 7-1 recommendation to approve with two conditions; It adheres to the city’s vegetation regulations, staff would recommend to adopt a maximum 8-inch vegetation height instead of the standard 6-inch, as this is more rural, and the vegetative buffer extend between the house on Ember Road and the development proper.

Alderman Moon asked for clarification regarding the vegetation height requirement.

CDC Bannon stated Planning Commission recommended the property, which is not in city limits, have to adhere to the vegetation regulations that all properties within the city limits must adhere to. Those regulations have a 6-inch maximum height on grass or other related vegetation. CDC Bannon stated he believes an 8-inch would be more appropriate for a rural area.

Alderman Schuch asked if these adjustments meet the concerns addressed by other property owners. CDC Bannon stated yes.

Mr. Farkes stated the property is owned by Jerry Brookhart; it is predominantly Ag-Land. They agreed not to make it fully solar, and did only 3 megawatts. They went as far North, to have approximately 40 plus acres of farmland to go with the solar. This will still allow Mr. Brookhart to maintain its historic use as farmland, but will allow for a fix revenue stream, for him and his family through the solar lease.

Mr. Farcus stated he had spoken with other neighbors, and there were no objections or concerns.

City Attorney Lisa Scalf asked for direction on staff recommendation on the vegetation, for any changes to the original ordinance that would need to be made.

The majority of council agreed with 8-inches.

Mayor Inman stated we can not take a binding vote, but is a consensus direction for staff.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be put on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night’s meeting.

The second item on the agenda for discussion was on Community Solar. This was discussed at the General Government Committee.

Becky Thompson a representative with Nexamp Solar Group, and the City’s Energy Advisor was present to give a presentation highlighting the benefits of Community Solar.

CA Coker stated the project will allow for us to take advantage of having solar with a contract, but not putting solar panels on our buildings; City hall, Fire Department, and Police Department.

Ca Coker stated he has removed 3 of our largest users, due to having solar projects planned; Transit, Water Plant, and Wastewater Plant.

Ms. Thompson stated this will not be on site, this is a subscription to a large community solar farm. It is a large community array that is going offsite, typically on farmland. This will not tie into electric meters, and there is no infrastructure maintenance, or out of pocket cost to the city. Nexamp customers submit their utility bills based on relative demand, receive a certain allocation of solar energy generation from a local array. Once subscribed, customers receive credits on their utility bills for the energy generated by the solar farms. Community solar allows for residents and commercial entities to receive the benefits of solar without the upfront cost and complexity involved in building onsite systems.

Ms. Thompson highlighted on advantages of Community Solar; Environmentally the City of Macomb is receiving benefits from a project that is impacting their grid locally, Economic potential for residential affiliate programs, and Societal low to moderate income partnerships.

Ms. Thompson provided a Terms and Savings summary highlighting savings and allocation details.

Mayor Inman asked if council were to accept a contract, what would the timeline be, before we start to see the savings.

Ms. Thompson stated Possibly June or July of 2025.

CA Coker stated Nexamp is currently working on the 1150th project. This would be in McDonough County, and the site we would receive power from.

Alderman Vigezzi asked when this would be available for residents.

CA Coker stated marketing would begin 3 months before the field comes online, and there will be income-based incentives.

Ms. Thompson stated it would be 20% for residents, and upward of 50% for low to moderate income individuals.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for final action at next Monday night’s meeting.

The third item on the agenda for discussion was Review Proposed Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Budget. CA Coker gave a brief summarization of the proposed budget.

Copies of the proposed budget are available for public viewing at the following locations: Macomb City Clerk’s Office, The Macomb City Library, and the City of Macomb’s web page.

There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated the item would be placed on the agenda for first reading at next Monday night’s meeting.

There being no further business to come before Council, Alderman Vigezzi moved, seconded by Alderman Schuch to adjourn the meeting, all Aldermen voting “Aye” by voice vote and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and they adjourned the meeting at 5:47 p.m.

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