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City approves two-year lease of land to solar developer

LOCK HAVEN — A solar developer is looking at possibly developing an array of solar panels on 186 acres of land near the Ohl Reservoir.

Lock Haven City Council approved a lease agreement for the Rosencrans property in Loganton to BAI Consultants out of State College at a cost of $13,950 per year for two years.

Public Works Director Tony Stopper said the city received two bids for the property, BAI and Schrack Farms — the current leasee.

According to a statement from BAI, the company intends to use the land for “large scale solar developments that serve the PJM Interconnection utility grid.”

PJM operates the power grid in Pennsylvania and surrounding states.

“For this endeavor, BAI intends to pursue permitting that will potentially use all 186 acres of the Ohl Reservoir Parcels to support development of a PJM utility grid project,” the statement said.

BAI noted that the development may use all or some of the acreage but is expected to use as many as economically possible.

It’s estimated that preparing a development plan and conducting various tests and studies will take the entirety of the two-year lease, Stopper said.

Once it’s determined if the project is feasible, the lease could be extended, he continued.

BAI also said they could work with Schrack Farms to allow agricultural usage of the land while they conduct their study.

The details for that would be detailed in an agreement written by the city’s solicitor Justin Houser.

Council approved the lease agreement and directed Houser to draw up the documents in a 5-2 vote with councilmen Richard Conklin and Bill Mincer voting against.

“I know this is good for the city if this works out, and I’m in favor of solar power and development of land for solar, but frankly folks… this land is not designated as recreational property but the periphery of this land has been used for years by residents of the county and others as area that they can hike on and walk through,” Conklin said. “I’m just thinking about if BAI gets approval…the amount of equipment that’s going to be in and out of there.”

“This does not seem like good use of this particular property to me,” he continued.

REORGANIZATION

Councilman Steve Stevenson retained his vice president position during the reorganizational meeting on Monday night.

Members of council retained their positions on various boards and authorities while also filling some new vacancies. The following members were placed in new positions:

— Stevenson will serve as council representative on the Public Works & Shade Trees subcommittee.

— Mincer will serve as liaison for the Parks and Recreation Board and on the Lock Haven Police Association bargaining agreement and police relations subcommittee.

— Conklin will serve as the liaison for the city’s board of health.

— Council woman Barbara Masorti will serve on the Lock Haven Police Association bargaining agreement subcommittee.

Council also approved multiple residents to vacancies on authorities, boards and commissioners. Six positions are still open to the public. Mayor Joel Long encouraged those who are interested to reach out to the city.

“There are several vacant spots.. this is open to everyone in the public who live in the city. Reach out to a council member, reach out to city staff. We do want people to take part in governing the city and this is a good way to get involved,” he said.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business council:

— Approved its 2019 annual audit by Baker Tilley which was also submitted to the Department of Community and Economic Development.

— Reviewed the 2021 DCED tax information which listed the city’s blended tax rate at 9.171 mills. The city has a split millage rate for land and for building and development but some people are interested in what the blended rate would look like each year, City Manager Gregory Wilson said.

— Received a donation from Lock Haven University for $2,941 – a dollar for each student enrolled at the university. Last year’s donation was $2,913.

— Approved permission to solicit bids for paving portions of Spring and Fourth streets.

— Approved the resignation of Joseph Sanders IV as a fire relief driver and appointed him as fire auxiliary driver for the city. The newly vacant position is already being advertised and will be vetted through the Fire Auxiliary Board, Wilson said.

All members of council were present for Monday’s meeting. Council will meet again on Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. via livestream on the city’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

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