Use of Solar at Treatment Plant Could Save Money

The Gower City Council’s monthly meeting was held, Tuesday, December 15, rather than it’s typical day, which would have been Monday, December 14. With little on the agenda, the meeting lasted just 21 minutes.

Those attending the meeting in person were Mayor Chip Holman, City Administrator Carroll Fisher, City Clerk Gwen Ballou, and Police Chief Adam Hill. Those attending via zoom were Aldermen Randy Jamerson, Mike Kruger, and Paul Pottier, as well as City Attorney Joe Gagnon and Planning and Zoning Administrator Kenneth Pike. Alderman Zack Craft was unable to attend.

Under new business, both Mayor Holman and City Administrator Fisher said they had been approached by an individual regarding the placement of solar panels at the wastewater treatment plant.

Mayor Holman stated they were only in the exploratory stage and had communicated with an individual about solar panels at the plant that could save the city several thousand dollars in operational costs annually. There was no estimate available Tuesday on the initial cost or other specifics, only that a proposal would be available to the aldermen at the January council meeting. Mayor Holman also said if the city wished to explore this avenue further, the city would have to let out bids for the project.

Gower Police Chief Adam Hill gave his department’s report for activity in November. He said it was a pretty normal month for the department. Hill said he had turned in a summary of code violations for 2020, which totaled 19 violations.

Fisher told the council there was one new water service established, he had one water leak repaired, and the sewer line on Washington, Lincoln, and Kennedy Streets was repaired. City crews had been patching potholes until recently and stopped due to the colder temperatures. He also informed the council that there was an issue with the generator at the treatment plant and the problem is yet to be diagnosed.

“This generator is old, purchased about 1982, and once the trouble is determined, there are only a couple places who repair this model of generator, and I estimate the cost could be significant,” he said. “I’ll inform the council when we determine the source of the problem and what the solution might be.”
 
Planning and Zoning Administrator Kenneth Pike said that November was a slow month, with only 10 permits issued, and eight of those were roof repairs or replacements.

Gwen Ballou, city clerk, told the council that filing for city offices began that day, and that the municipal court would be closed, with the next court date being February 18th, 2021.

Mayor Holman thanked each of the aldermen, as well as the city staff, for their service over the past year, and wished each a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

The next Gower City Council meeting will be Monday, January 11.