West Union Cemetery located east of Traer. The cemetery is surrounded by agricultural fields that were recently enrolled in a lease agreement with TED Renewables LLC, a solar development company. PHOTO BY SOREN M. PETERSON

TOLEDO – At the Tama County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 20, the decision was made to set a public hearing to discuss a possible Solar Energy Ordinance.

The public hearing is set for Tuesday, April 25 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Toledo Reinig Center. This is a change from the original date of April 4. The hearing was rescheduled due to the potential for severe weather across Iowa that was predicted for that afternoon and evening.

The supervisors have been asking for and receiving opinions on the ordinance in the past couple of weeks, having amassed a stack of at least 30 to 40 responses.

Other business

The subject of livestreaming the supervisor’s meetings was moderately discussed; Rick Watts, the contracted I.T. person for Tama County, was consulted. Watts said he does not feel comfortable putting in a system that has to have government requirements associated with open meeting laws. A $10k unit was once considered as the attorney advised to get a more professional system.

The supervisors also acknowledged the resignation of Darren Thiessen from the county’s zoning commission. This makes two open seats on the five-seat commission which now includes members Doug Dvorak, Wade Mitchell, and Craig Sash. Supervisors are currently considering opening it back up for applications.

The Tama County Engineer reported that PCI is still on schedule to start work on the Deer Creek bridge on Business 30 on April 3. A fiber optic line that is attached to the bridge must be relocated before work begins. The Iowa DOT budget and County five-year construction plan were approved. K avenue is currently being worked on. Hauling contract rock will start the week of March 20.