By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
At a recent Prairie Township trustees meeting, the board discussed moving forward with the electric aggregation program, as well as accepting a grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Scott Belcastro of Trebel LLC presented the proposed renewal of the township’s electric aggregation plan at a recent board meeting.
“We are suggesting the township enter into a 24-month contract for their electric aggregation,” Belcastro said. “Anyone can join this program if they would like and you can opt out at any time.”
Belcastro said the benefits of joining the program include being in control of your own energy choices, as well as a lower utility bill.
“Right now, the tentative rate we can get locked in at is 5.61, which is even lower than the 5.9 rate residents are currently paying,” he said. “In Q1 the rates are going to go to over $.6 a kilowatt, so it is beneficial to lock in these rates now.”
According to Belcastro, residents who are part of the aggregation program enjoy the lowest AEP rates in the area, something he said would continue.
The township’s contract for the aggregation program ends in January, so starting conversations now ensures the township would get lower rates.
In other news, residents asked about the status of the parking lot at the community center.
Since the center opened, residents have complained there is not enough parking, saying they have to park far away and walk sometimes to the center.
“We are not moving forward with the parking lot at this point,” said Steven Kennedy, township trustee. “We received a bid on it and it was going to be $500,000 and we just can’t afford that right now.”
The board rescinded a resolution to allow for an Ohio Public Works Commission grant for construction on the Evergreen Terrace, saying they didn’t think the proposed improvements they would be applying for were appropriate at this time.
The board also approved a grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for a $500,000 grant for improvements to the Galloway Road Sports Complex.
“The grant was awarded through the 2017/18 state capital budget,” said Tracy Hatmaker, township administrator. “This resolution allows the township to receive the funds through ODNR.”
The funds will be used in the construction of the baseball fields, soccer fields, a walking trail, a fishing pond, bathroom, a storage area, parking lot and concessions stand for the 111-acre complex. The complex is projected to be complete in fall 2018.
