Wakefield looks to tap alternative energy

By PAMELA JANSSON

[email protected]

Wakefield — The Wakefield City Council anticipates leaning hard into plans for alternative energy as it faces related state rulings that are becoming increasingly strict.

City manager Robert Brown Jr. told The Globe on Tuesday that the city has asked AEP Energy of Ohio, its electrical provider, to explore options in using solar energy.

“If a project could get off the ground, it would not only allow us to comply with state law, but we also could generate our own power,” he said regarding the solar option that he hopes ultimately could result in financial savings for the city.

Of more immediate concern is a pending plan by Xcel Energy to replace poles and related items such as transformers, etc. along Old U.S. 2 and connecting routes on Luoma Road and Maki Street. Those poles then would be used jointly by Xcel and the city.

Brown said that Zachery Hughes, a project manager with Xcel, provided a related virtual presentation during the council’s Monday evening meeting.

According to Brown, Hughes said that the city could save $1.2 million by Xcel replacing the poles and peripheral materials. In addition, the city also could save $400,000 every seven years by not having to pay to maintain the new poles or engage in brushing, as Xcel would assume that responsibility in full.

Once the details are in order, Brown expects the project to begin this fall and to be completed by Christmas.

In explaining the city’s cooperation with Xcel, Brown noted, “Xcel is not our electric provider, but we purchase power from a company (AEP Energy) that transmits it through Xcel’s lines.”

In other news, Brown reported progress on Sunday Lake Street, the city’s main street.

“The base coats are down,” he said regarding work that occurred on Aug. 23 by Angelo Luppino Inc. of Iron Belt, Wisconsin. Brown added that the base coat must be dry before a final topcoat can be added.

Meanwhile, additional utility and/or road work also is still underway on Ascherman Avenue and Old U.S. 2. Brown expects all roads to open to traffic by the end of next week.

Council members also:

— Approved a resolution in relation to a drawdown of $671,430.57 for engineering and construction work completed through Aug. 16 on the city’s Phase 1 Water Project. The drawdown is from the city’s loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program.

— Approved a change order for a time increase in relation to the city’s water project.

— Approved a premium payment of $44,451 for a liability and pool renewal with the Michigan Municipal League.

— Approved a 2025 reservation plan in relation to the Eddy Park Campground on Sunday Lake. The new plan will require seasonal campers to declare their intent to return by Oct. 4 of this year, followed by a related payment due by Dec. 31. Related letters of explanation will be sent to affected parties.

The city will welcome this weekend a sand volleyball tournament on Saturday at the Eddy Park volleyball courts. Brown expects more than a dozen co-ed teams to compete in youth (ages 10-16) and open (age 17 and up) divisions. “It should be a great time,” said Brown.

The council and Planning Commission will meet next on Sept. 9 and 10, respectively, with both sessions at 5:30 p.m. in the municipal building.