Du Quoin looks at option for 'solar garden'
City leaders are making way for a "community solar garden" to possibly begin generating power in Du Quoin.
At Monday's city council meeting, commissioners voted to put on public display an ordinance leasing 20 acres of the Du Quoin Industrial Park to IPS Solar, which is based out of Roseville, Minn. The ordinance will be up for final approval at the council's next meeting Nov. 13.
The agreement gives IPS Solar an option on the land at the industrial park through December 2020, during which time the company will determine whether or not to proceed with a full-scale solar installation.
"It takes a long time for these kinds of projects to get started," Jeffrey Ashauer, the city's economic development consultant, told the council. Ashauer said that if realized, the project could lead to a lower-priced electricity option for area residents.
The proposed agreement also includes a provision allowing either party to opt out at 180-day intervals, meaning the city could pursue another option for that space at the industrial park should the opportunity arise during the term of the option.
IPS Solar, founded in 1991, focuses on the development, installation and management of solar power systems for commercial, community solar and residential customers. IPS Solar is one of the fastest growing solar systems providers in the United States, delivering 5-kilowatt to multi-megawatt "community solar gardens," according to the company's website.
New police chief's contract finalized
Commissioners also gave their final approval to a contract hiring Leslie Vancil as the city's police chief.
Per the contract, Vancil will be paid total compensation of $83,200 a year. Vancil is not taking a pension, health or dental benefits, or insurance from the city. Vancil's total compensation includes about $10,000 for him to contribute to a private retirement plan.
Vancil, a lifelong resident of the area and graduate of Du Quoin High School, resided in Pinckneyville at the time of his hiring. The contract requires him to move within the borders of Du Quoin District 300 during his first six months on the job.
Following the resignation of former chief Jamie Ellermeyer, the council hired Vancil on an interim basis in late September.
Council makes merit board appointments
In other business, commissioners approved the appointment of Lora Booker, Steve Marek and Jim Justice to the Police and Fire Merit Board.
Their terms will run through June 30, 2020.