LOCK HAVEN – City Public Works Director Anthony Stopper updated council on the city’s proposed solar array project at the former sewage treatment plant.

So far Stopper has talked with three more companies since council heard proposals from two others, IGS and RER Energy, in August.

Council tabled signing a letter of intent with either company to give Stopper time to research other companies that may be interested in the project.

Tangent Energy Solutions out of Kennett Square, Pa.; YSG Solar out of New York, N.Y.; and the city’s electric company Constellation Energy Company have all expressed interest in presenting council with their own proposals for solar arrays.

Discussion about the possibility of placing solar panels in the area of the former plant has been on going since early summer with Stopper researching the project since November of 2018.

The panels would be installed on a large portion of land between Route 220 and the railroad tracks on the eastern side of South Hanna Street, behind the plant.

An original proposal for solar energy was planned at William T. Piper Memorial Airport but placement of the panels at the former plant would reduce costs, City Manager Gregory Wilson said when discussions first began.

The cost for the demolition of the buildings within the area, the removal of trees and the installation of the panels would be paid for through a 2016 borrowing fund, he said.

All three companies that have expressed interest have not submitted proposals for the project due to energy audits, Stopper said.

“They’re still in their energy audit phase,” he said. He expects to hear from at least two of the companies in the coming weeks to give them a tour of the area, he continued.

“It’s not a project that will be implemented by the end of this year,” Wilson said.

Wilson added that he is requesting RER Energy and IGS update their proposals to reflect 2020’s energy statistics to still be considered.

Councilman William “Bill” Mincer requested each company provide a list of references in their proposals.

STREET UPDATES

City Council amended a section of the city’s vehicles and traffic ordinance to including placing weight restrictions on Third Avenue between Bellefonte Avenue and Maple Street.

The section of roadway was the subject of a heated debate back in the spring when council first considered closing it to accommodate the city’s new garage.

After voting down the closure in June, council placed restrictions on the roadway that included prohibiting trucks and cars with trailers from turning from Bellefonte Avenue onto the roadway.

Another roadway that will see change is Kite Alley between West Bald Eagle and West Clinton streets which will be converted into a one-way heading south.

The final update to the ordinance was the removal of on-street parking from the east side of South Jones Street from the intersection of West Clinton Street continuing south for 82 feet or the “non-curbed section.”

The change was granted through a request made by Police Chief Kristin Smith and would remove about two spots in the area, City Manager Gregory Wilson said.

These changes will take affect as soon as city crews are able to place signage indicated such, Wilson said.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business council:

– Announced the completion of council chamber’s Mayoral portraits update.

Councilman Douglas Byerly, who spearheaded the project, thanked all those involved in the update of the portraits as well as the creation of a plaque that lists every mayor of Lock Haven and their terms.

“I think it’s a nice little upgrade,” Byerly said expressing its historical value.

– Appointed Director of Community Life Kasey Campbell to the Wayne Township Landfill Citizens Advisory Committee to update the landfill’s 10-year plan.

– Are looking for a new Christmas tree to be place in Triangle Park this holiday season.

The tree has to be between 20 to 30 feet tall and preferably located in the city limits, Campbell said.

Any interested individuals should contact Campbell to give the city time to inspect the tree, she said.

After the tree is removed, the city will grind down the stump, she added.

All members of council were present for last night’s meeting.