West Central Reporter

City of Macomb Committee of the Whole met June 24.

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, June 24, 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, City Clerk Renee Lotz called the roll and the following were present: Aldermen Justin Schuch, John Vigezzi, Byron Shabazz, Dave Dorsett, Don Wynn, and Dennis Moon. Alderman Ashley Katz was absent.

Also, in attendance were, City Administrator Scott Coker, City Attorney Lisa Scalf, Fire Chief Dan Meyer, and Community Development Director Miranda Lambert.

Public Comment: Mr. Buz Becker of Pivot Energy was present to speak on behalf of the Solar Energy System project located northeast of intersection US Highway 67 & 136. He reported that the project had formal clearance from IDOT to proceed, with the agreement that if a planned bypass comes to fruition, they must decommission the solar field.

Mr. Mark Brown, owner of the land spoke on behalf of the project stating that the Planning Commission had approved the project on a 7-1 vote. He believes that Pivot Energy was the best choice because of their commitment to giving to the community. He stated his family had owned the land for 30 years and have never been approached to sell for development. He stated that he has staked out the proposed area, and it was almost two football fields away from the highway frontage.

Mr. Greg, owner of Porter Electric was there to speak on behalf of Pivot Energy and their values.

Ms. Kim Pierce of MAEDCO was present to speak in opposition of the project being placed in that location due to hopes of future expansion east of the city, also, the length of time (40 years), that the land is tied up, possibly hindering anyone looking to expand in that area. She was not against the project itself, just the area chosen.

The first item on the agenda for discussion was on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article 5, Section 24-10 of the Municipal Code pertaining to Fireworks, Firecrackers, etc. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night. Discussion is planned, and Council has POWER TO ACT after second reading of the ordinance.

Alderman Vigezzi remarked that this was not something the city was imposing on anyone, it was just following state statutes concerning permitting of fireworks displays being conducted by licensed lead pyrotechnic operators, and licenses distributors.

There was no further discussion.

City Attorney Scalf presented the following ordinance for second reading and for Council Power to Act:

AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 10, ARTICLE 5, SECTION 24-10 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO FIREWORKS, FIRECRACKERS, ETC.

Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Vigezzi to approve the Ordinance Amending Chapter 10, Article 5, Section 24-10 of the Municipal Code pertaining to Fireworks, Firecrackers, etc., on question being put, Aldermen Schuch, Vigezzi, Shabazz, Dorsett, Wynn, and Moon being all Aldermen voting “Aye” on roll call and no “Nay” votes, Mayor Inman declared the motion carried and the ordinance was approved and became Ordinance No. 24- 25.

The third item on the agenda for discussion was on an Ordinance to Authorize the Issuance of a Special Use Permit to Allow a Large-Scale Solar Energy System in an AG-1 Agriculture Zoning District at the Property Located Northeast of the Intersection of US Highway 67 & US Highway 136 (12-000-343-00 and 12-000-344-00), Macomb, McDonough County, Illinois. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night. Discussion is planned.

CDD Miranda Lambert stated the project was brough before the Planning Commission on May 8th, for review, meeting minutes were attached. She read memo; Staff must point out that while solar power is a needed green energy source, the location of the proposed solar development would preclude alternative developments on that property for 30-40 years if the property is developed as a solar field. While certainly having environmental benefits, the project will not create any permanent jobs and will not generate any sales tax, while industrial or commercial development would.

Alderman Vigezzi asked specifically about the proposed savings to the city of $305,000 per year, was that based on 100% participation from users.

Mr. Becker stated an annual average usage of Ameren customers in Illinois was used to project; using a total of 3,060 customers annually spending $5,660,388, with their subscribing user paying $2,750,382 annually, saving a total of $305,488. They base the customer base on the size of the project. He stated he has met with Pella as well, and they were interested in possible savings as well.

Alderman Vigezzi asked about the frontage distance.

Mr. Becker explained that it varied from point to point due to the curve in highway, showing maps with distances of 586.57 at one point, 671.53 at another, the western curved section 431.10 feet, and lastly the nearest point 303.92 feet.

Alderman Vigezzi pointed out that most solar companies make offers to customers and give back to the community in monetary ways, how was Pivot different.

Mr. Becker explained that in speaking with WIRC reps, no one has every approached them about giving to their light and heat fund and low-income weatherization program. A $75,000 commitment to help meet those needs, is distinctive.

Alderman Vigezzi asked about the IDOT agreement superseding their solar field for a highway expansion.

Mr. Becker stated as a condition of the permit agreement, they would have to have a de-commissioning security in place at their expense that the city could call on.

Alderman Vigezzi stated his concern was the location of the project and scaring away any potential business. He thought moving it to a different location would be would be an outstanding idea.

Mr. Becker previewed a map of development opportunity sites that he stated were currently marketed selections of MAEDCO. He stated this was not the last parcel that they could do this at.

Alderman Dorsett followed the concerns of Alderman Vigezzi, the numbers on the setback seemed to bounce around, and he felt the frontage was an important part. He also had concern with tying the hands of future leaders for 30-40 years as problematic.

Mr. Becker explained what they are mindful of at a location is the proximity of infrastructure, making them able to augment and invest in that because of not having to build new in a location where it does not exist. He stated they did try to push it back as much as possible. He stated that as Mr. Brown indicated, in 30 years they have not received any inquiries. We have this offer today, and it is a longer development, but there is not a tenant on that property. He did not think this the last opportunity to do another Pella, there are other properties there, and have this one today.

Alderman Vigezzi had a rebuttal towards that; with the addition of two national retailers at K-Mart building on the east side, that will open the breadth for other retailers to begin looking at it, because we have not had a national retail chain here before. Many are changing there demographic and going into smaller communities and smaller stores. To add to Ms. Pearce’s comment, he does see those opportunities coming to Macomb. He believers that Macomb is now viable.

Mr. Becker asked if there were area enough for retail in the frontage, and the solar remain but towards the back. Alderman Vigezzi stated he would have to see what it looked like.

Alderman Schuch asked for clarification from Ms. Pierce on her comment in the unapproved Planning Commission minutes; “growth is diminishing for a variety of reasons”, could she explain the conversations from Planning Commission.

Ms. Pierce stated one of the board members commented as a Frontier worker, he had not had any requests to expand that far out towards the east. She stated Frontier was not an indicator of whether development was happening there. She restated that with John Deere building being there, it would go that direction.

Ms. Pierce then addressed Mr. Becker concerning his presentation showing MAEDCO as promoting certain areas for development that she had never talked with him about.

He explained that he found information on the website.

She explained to him it was not a good indicator, it was certainly sites that were available through Location One, but MAEDCO sites are not necessarily going to be public opinion because it can change prices, we are not going to publicly promote an area.

Ms. Pierce explained that this was not about being against Pivot Energy, but about the future when all the current leaders are gone, there would be options for growth and progress. Their position was not against, just not in this location.

Mayor Inman asked Mr. Becker for clarification; the comment from the Bureau Chief at IDOT was not an official document or release by IDOT.

Mr. Becker stated it was from the clearance memo, the clearance has been issued.

Mayor Inman stated a concern was that approximately 20% of residents in Macomb are McDonough Power subscribers, that is likely on par low for the balance of the county, so they do not have opportunity to have incentives through this project.

His other concern was the solicited offer to the Regional Council for $75,000 contribution, predicated on this passing.

Mr. Becker replied, they cannot make the donation without the project.

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

The fourth item on the agenda for discussion was on an Ordinance to Amend Sections 15-214 and 15-216 of the Municipal Code of Macomb Related to Parking. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night. Discussion is planned. There was no discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night’s council meeting.

The fifth item on the agenda for discussion was on an Ordinance Amending Chapter 17-197 of the Municipal Code Pertaining to Minor Subdivisions. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night. Discussion is planned. There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at next Monday night’s council meeting. There was no further discussion and Mayor Inman stated it would be placed on the agenda for second reading and final action at Monday night’s council meeting.

The sixth item on the agenda for discussion was on an Ordinance to Vacate Alley Running North and South Between East Carroll and East Calhoun Streets in Block 12 of Original Town, in the City of Macomb. This ordinance had first reading last Monday night. Discussion is planned.

City Attorney Scalf stated she had reached out to the owners affected by the vacate, the owner of the northern most parcel did not want the portion going to them. We have modified the ordinance to vacate the alley on the south section only, of the east west alley. The north portion will remain as city property.

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

There being no further business to come before Council, Alderman Dorsett moved, seconded by Alderman Vigezzi 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 5:40p.m.

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