HEAVY DUTY DISCUSSION … The topic of whether or not to lease some land for a Solar Field was discussed in depth at the Stryker Village Council on March 15, 2021. From left to right are Mayor Joe Beck, Village Administrator Al Riegsecker, Clerk Beth Rediger, Council member Sean Ingram, Council President Lee Armstrong (with back to the camera), Solicitor Katie Rakes, Chief Steve Schlosser and Council member Sam Farmer. (PHOTO BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
A presentation had been made to the Stryker Village Council at the February 22, 2021 meeting, by representatives of NationalGrid Renewables, to ask the council to consider the approval of leasing them some land for a Solar Field project. As part of the March 15, 2021, Monday night meeting, council members held a discussion on the pros and cons of the offer.
Two of the six council members, Lee Armstrong and Sam Farmer, said they just “do not have a good feeling about it.” Solicitor Katie Rakes assured the council that any number of scenarios could change it even if they do vote to go ahead, including the possibility that they do not get funding and shut down the project before it starts, or after the initial years the company might choose not to renew at one of the ten year points when they are given the opportunity to continue or not.
Financially, if it does take off, it would be good for the village, as council member Sean Ingram said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” When council took a vote on a motion to direct Village Administrator Alan Riegsecker to sign off 15 acres for a Solar Land Lease, Farmer and Armstrong voted against. The motion passed.
Mayor Joe Beck thanked everyone for voting their conscience and encouraged them to always do so, “as we don’t want six council members who always all think the same.”
In other business, council accepted the minutes for the February meeting and the Finance Report as of March 12, 2021. The new police cruiser has been delivered and will be getting a radio transferred from an older car, as well as a spot light and decals.
Big Trash Pick Up Day is scheduled for May 8, 2021 this year. The General Clean Up guidelines are much the same. The truck will be in town by 7 a.m. that day. Residential bagged trash is not considered bulk and will be collected. No Yard waste, no hazardous waste, no tires, no type of liquid, no barrels full of ashes or bags or ashes, no drywall, dirt, stones or ashes, or semi solids will be allowed.
You CAN put out empty barrels, household furniture items, freon free appliances, lawn and garden items (liquid must be drained), and construction materials except for concrete or concrete blocks. Materials cannot exceed five feet in length. It must fit into the back of the truck or the provided container.
The Compost dumpster will be back behind the police station again, beginning the week of March 22. Records commission meeting was scheduled for March 19, 2021 at 5:30.
The electric sign for out front of the village hall is still on hold, but a committee was formed of Council members interested in making some decisions about it and getting the ball rolling.
Police Chief Steve Schlosser reported: the Canine vehicle is being donated to the Four County Law Enforcement Class; Chaplain Nik Walborn attended a training for law enforcement chaplains; and the department had ten traffic warnings, zero traffic citations and one adult arrest since the last meeting. There were a total of fifty one reports to the department.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com