City council approves request for a solar panel “farm”

 

 

 

The Washington City Council held a public hearing the Indiana Municipal Power Agency’s request to have 23.1 acres on the west side of Washington declared an Economic Revitalization Area.  IMPA plans to build a solar panel “farm” on the ground formerly owned by the City, just west of the sanitation plant.  During the regular meeting, the Council approved IMPA’s request.  Washington Mayor Joe Wellman said the project will benefit Washington financially

In other matters at last night’s meeting, the Council adopted an ordinance that restricts the placement of mobile homes to trailer parks.  Existing mobile homes were grandfathered in, but replacements must meet certain criteria.

The council also adopted a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign a grant application for a block grant aimed at owner occupied housing.

 

 

The Washington Board of Public Works and Safety last night accepted the low bid of $135,000 to create a parking lot across the street from the Council Chambers. The project includes the repair of sewer lines located between the proposed parking to the main line on Oak Street, and install drainage and water retention capabilities under the new parking lot.  The Board approved the project 2-1 with Councilman Jason Petty opposed.

 

 

 

Due to the recent retirement of Mike Healy from the Police Department, the Board approved some reshuffling of positions in the Department.    Detective Sgt. Dan Christie was promoted to Detective Captain and Sgt Greg Deitsch (Deetch) and Patrolman Brandon Garland were both promoted to Detective Sgt.

The Board also named Don Williams as the City’s assistant code enforcement officer.