Marquette is expanding solar to Driftless Area Wetlands Centre
Dave Schneider was appointed—and sworn in—to the Marquette City Council on Sept. 10. He replaces Pamela Brodie-Fitzgerald, who resigned last month. (Photo by Audrey Posten)
Schneider appointed to fill council vacancy
By Audrey Posten, North Iowa Times
The city of Marquette is expanding its solar infrastructure to the Driftless Area Wetlands Centre. The council approved the $16,500 project at its Sept. 10 regular meeting.
The move comes seven months after the city flipped the switch on its first project at well number four, in the Timber Ridge subdivision.
“We’ve saved, already, $2,000 this year on solar at well number four, which is about the equivalent of planting 59 trees,” said city clerk Bonnie Basemann.
“If you look at the months where the sun shines the most, the total invoice is $16, $13, $12. Before, it was $500 to $600,” added mayor Steve Weipert. “I believe it’s doing what we asked it to do: save us money. It’s the best return we have on our money right now.”
That success prompted the city to consider additional projects, starting with the Wetlands Centre. The proposal from Eagle Point Solar, who also installed the system at well number four, estimates the project will save the city approximately $1,536 in electrical bills at current utility rates in the first year. Over 25 years, annual utility savings are anticipated to average $2,531, for a total utility savings of $63,274.
The Wetlands Centre system will be a roof array, located on the section of roof closest to the parking lot. The idea is supported by Wetlands Centre Director Alicia Mullarkey, not only for the cost savings it will bring, but also because the environmental friendliness plays into the mission of the site.
In addition to the Wetlands Centre, the city is considering a roof solar project at the city shop as well. However, the council held off on moving forward until quotes can be gathered for replacing the building’s roof, which will be completed in conjunction with the solar array.
At the October council meeting, Basemann said she will also present a proposal for solar-powering the city’s sewer plant.
Schneider appointed to city council
The council has appointed Dave Schneider to fill the seat vacated by Pamela Brodie-Fitzgerald last month. Schneider was one of two residents who expressed interest in the position, which runs through the end of the year and will be up for election in November. He said he intends to run this fall for a four-year term on the council.
Resident wants to see more events
Resident Larry Breuer asked the council to consider creating a part-time position to plan events for the community. There have been fewer events in Marquette and surrounding communities, Breuer said, and he’d like to see more activity to bolster business.
“Events bring people to town,” he remarked. “They spend money and keep businesses thriving. I want to live in a town where businesses are thriving.”
Breuer said space to hold events isn’t an issue.
“With the right planning, it could turn into a good situation,” he added.
The mayor and council members said they would discuss the suggestion with the McGregor-Marquette Chamber of Commerce, whose funding the city cut this fiscal year.
