by Jeff Saunders
Reporter
Macedonia -- The city may seek federal funding for a wind turbine, but City Council first wants more information.
Council gave first reading March 11 to a resolution allowing Mayor Don Kuchta to apply for a federal budget appropriation to construct purchase a wind turbine for the city.
The city received an $86,000 grant in February through the FirstEnergy Powering Our Communities program.
The funding is being distributed by the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council, a nonprofit energy purchasing consortium the city belongs to, as part of $12 million that NOPEC received after it signed new nine-year contract with FirstEnergy Solutions in December for distribution to its 126 member communities.
The FirstEnergy program requires the money be spent on green or energy conservation related projects.
Kuchta said he wants to use the funding as seed money to purchase a wind turbine costing as much as $600,000. He said he hopes such a turbine would help the city save on all or part of its annual $200,000 electric bill.
"We are after any money we can get," said Kuchta.
Kuchta said a possible location for a turbine is somewhere in Longwood Park.
Council members, however, said they have concerns and want to discuss the matter further. Council President Dave Engle said he is worried about noise and vibration from a turbine and how that might impact residents. Councilor Jan Tulley said she is concerned about aesthetic and liability issues, as well as maintenance costs.
Councilor Ken Martin said he is skeptical about the capabilities of wind turbines. He said he is also opposed to the park as a location.
"There is no way I am going to support putting up a motor-driven propeller in Longwood Park," said Martin. "That would be a disgrace."
Kuchta said there are "a million questions that still need to be answered," but the city would be under no obligation to accept any federal funding that might be offered.
"All this does is allow us to apply," said Kuchta, referring to the resolution. "We're a long way from getting a wind turbine."
Other Council business
Council also took action on several other pieces of legislation:
* Council held at second reading adopting the city's 2010 permanent budget appropriations. Council plans to discuss the budget in finance committee in the Council caucus room on March 18 at 6:30 p.m.
* Council approved an amendment to the city's temporary 2010 appropriations by authorizing $16,500 in additional funds for the service department. Service Director Jim Crevar said the money is needed for miscellaneous truck repairs and diesel fuel purchases.
* Council approved an ordinance allowing the mayor to execute an agreement with the Summit County Public Defenders Commission to represent indigent defendants who are charged with violations of city ordinances. The city renews the agreement on an annual basis and Council Clerk Josephine Arceci said the $160 per case cost to the city is the same as the previous year.
* Council approved the appointment of resident Joe Biber to the city's volunteer parks and recreation commission for a term ending Dec. 31, 2014.
E-mail: jsaunders@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3169