Teutopolis Board Adopts Solar Energy Ordinance

Teutopolis Village Board members Wednesday passed a solar ordinance for the village, but a review of the ordinance will continue.

Traci Martin of Sonne Energy was at the meeting, asking board members to again review the ordinance. Martin said the company still has concerns over the roof setbacks in the ordinance and would like that item re-visited. The Board scheduled a special meeting for April 12 to review whether the setbacks are too restrictive.

The Board discussed the large volume of traffic that has been coming off Interstate 70 and through Teutopolis on Route 40 due to the interstate reconstruction project. No solutions were found.

The Board heard from Shannon Woodard of village engineer Conner and Conner regarding the estimated cost to extend sewer to near the west end of the village along Route 40. Woodard is estimating the more than 1,100 feet extension would cost the Village $81,500. No decision was reached on whether to proceed with the project. 

Board members approved a non-highway vehicle event. The event would be a golf cart movie night hosted by Teutopolis for Tomorrow. The resolution will allow golf carts to be used until midnight that night.

The Board discussed a residential project for Del and Diana Althoff, then referred the matter to Village Attorney Tracy Willenborg, and voted to purchase a backhoe for $80,500 using ARPA funds. Also approved was the retention of a DO student as a part-time village employee. Marie Flach will be paid $16/hour. 

Following a closed session, the village board approved 4% pay raises for all village employees, and raised the employees' retirement to 10%, from 5%.