DeKalb County Planning and Zoning Committee Chair Steve Faivre gave an update on the utility-scale solar farms going through the public hearing process during this week’s Rotary meeting. Leeward Energy has a 500-Megawatt project proposed for 3,600 acres in Mayfield and South Grove Townships in the northern part of the County (called Owens Creek) and a 300-Megawatt project proposed for 1,800 acres south of Gurler Road and east of Route 23 south of DeKalb (called Red Maple). Samsung proposes a 90-Megawatt project on 600 acres in Milan Township. For comparison purposes, the nameplate rating of the Owens Creek project is about 20% of the rating of the Byron Nuclear Power plant. Faivre explained that solar projects fall into three categories: individual customer; community solar (serving multiple individual customers); and utility scale (connecting to the bulk power grid). For the utility-scale projects, solar panels are anchored onto I-beam like structures driven seven to ten feet into the ground.
Faivre noted there is a comprehensive renewable energy ordinance in place in the county which developers must follow. This includes approval from the Soil Conservation Service. The solar farms would be built in such a way as to still allow ground cover growth. This can lead to small animal grazing and even vegetable growing on the property while the solar panels are in place. At the end of the 30-year expected lifespan of the installation, the panels would be removed and studies show the land is now 20 percent more productive because of the dormant state it was in. To ensure proper decommissioning, Faivre said the County requires developers post a bond to guarantee financial backing of the panel removals.
Faivre said there would be significant economic benefits from the solar farms. Besides bringing in over one-thousand construction jobs, taxing bodies would benefit from the increased assessment of the properties involved. For example, the Owens Creek project is estimated to add $1.74 million to the Sycamore School District in its first year of operation and, even though valuations decline each year thereafter, the average increase amounts to $1.15 million over all 30 years. For the Hiawatha School District, the first year increase would be $778-thousand with an average 30-year increase of $516-thousand.
ROTARY PANCAKE BREAKFAST THIS SATURDAY
As it happens (almost) every year, this weekend marks the annual Sycamore Pumpkinfest celebration and with it the most impressive show of culinary skills this side of State Street. A huge shout out to Brandon Diviak and all of the volunteers that have helped prepare for this even, our illustrious leader for some inspired shirt designs, and all of the Rotarians ducking their fine by flipping flapjacks and toasting sausages. Remember to bring your masks and festive spirits to your shifts this weekend!
For almost 78 years, the Sycamore Rotary Club has held its annual Pancake Breakfast as a major fundraiser benefitting others, primarily for local youth. One key beneficiary is local scholarships. Last year, in spite of the Covid complications, the Sycamore Club was able to increase its scholarship awards to $10,000 for worthy Sycamore High School students.
During the most recent years, this fun event has become a Pumpkin Fest tradition held in coordination with the many other fun activities of Pumpkin Fest weekend.
Join with us for delicious pancakes, sausage and beverage for only an $8.00 donation per person with children under 5 eating for free. Tickets can be purchased from any Sycamore Rotarian or at the door of the breakfast. This year's breakfast will be held on Saturday, October 30 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church PAC, 322 Waterman St., Sycamore from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Donations are currently being requested for the Sycamore Food Pantry. Bring a bottle of laundry detergent...or $10 for Julie Sgarlata to purchase one. Money is easier to handle.
Personal hygiene items (bar soap, shampoo, etc.) are also being sought.
Posted by David Bills, District 6420 Governor on Sep 13, 2021
Dear Rotary Club Presidents, Club Secretaries, and All District 6420 Rotarians,
It is time for our clubs to consider nominating a Rotarian to serve as Governor for Rotary District 6420 for the 2024-25 Rotary year.
The qualifications to become Governor include being a member in good standing of a club in good standing, serving at least one full term as a club president, and being available in person to meet with the Nominating Committee on the date set by that committee. That interview date is tentatively set for Saturday, December 4, 2021.
The successful candidate will join the Governor Line, serving as the District Governor Nominee Designate in the second half of the 2021-22 Rotary year, District Governor Nominee in 2022-23, District Governor Elect in 2023-24, and District Governor in 2024-25.
There is an expectation that a Past District Governor will continue to serve the District in some leadership position for at least two years following the Governor year. A high-quality Governor training program is provided by Zone, Region, and Rotary International personnel.
A prospective candidate should contact me or any past Governor with any questions.
Each club is eligible to nominate one candidate, and the club must sign off on their full support for their candidate. Official nomination forms are available by contacting me. Also, the nomination forms need to be returned to me by the deadline for nominations which is Monday, November 15, 2021. Candidates will be contacted to set up interviews following the deadline.
PLEASE MAKE THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO ALL YOUR MEMBERS.
Feel free to contact me with any questions, or for more information.
October 25, 1881 – Abstract artist Pablo Picasso is born in Malaga, Spain. His controversial sculpture in Daley Plaza in downtown Chicago was dedicated August 15, 1967.
October 27, 1858 – 26th President of the United States, “Teddy” Roosevelt, is born in New York City. Perhaps his most famous quote is “speak softly and carry a big stick.”
October 28, 1914 – Dr. Jonas Salk is born in New York City. He famously leads research that develops a vaccine to prevent polio and declines to pursue a patent in order to promote its global distribution.
October 30, 1735 – The 2nd President of the United States and one of the country’s Founding Fathers, John Adams, is born in Braintree, Massachusetts.
October 25, 1983 – The Caribbean island of Grenada is invaded by the U.S. to, in the words of President Ronald Reagan, “…restore order and democracy…” following a political coup and execution of their Prime Minister.
October 26, 1825 – The Erie Canal opens and becomes the first major man-made waterway in America. It links Lake Erie with the Hudson River and takes eight years to complete.
October 27, 1904 – The New York City subway begins operating. It is the first underground and underwater rail system in the world.
October 29, 1886 – The Statue of Liberty is dedicated in New York Harbor. It is a gift from the people of France commemorating the French-American alliance during the American Revolutionary War.
