Superintendent Theron Schutte said the district and the company had finally reached a mutual agreement on leasing or converting Bicentennial Park for a solar field.

“The lease agreement is for a minimum of 25 years with the potential to expand and in return once it is implemented the district would receive just under $100,000 a year in revenue for the solar lease,” he said. “Sean [Heitmann] has been involved in a few of the conversations we’ve had with Alliant, as well. We’re working with their attorneys to negotiate the lease, but we’re comfortable with the lease at this time.”

Board member Bonnie Lowry asked if the district had heard anything from the neighbors of the property where the field is to be built.

Schutte told Lowry he knows a few of the neighbors.

contributed image The proposed solar field to be built between the Marshalltown Community School District and Alliant Energy is to be placed at Bicentennial Park.

“I had some personal conversations with them that this was something we were looking at, and at least one of them made the other neighbors aware,” he said. “All of them were fine with it. They think it’s a better alternative than maybe what they’ve had in the past.”

Schutte said the district has stated when and if it is time to move forward on the project, another community meeting will be held to inform everyone what the plan is, particularly the aesthetics, such as fencing and hedges.

In other business. the board:

• Named the Welcome Center at the Orpheum the B.A. Niblock/MCSD Orpheum Welcome Center after former Anson Elementary principal and Board President Bea Niblock. Schutte said the recommendation was based on Niblock’s financial contribution to the Welcome Center, as well as being a huge advocate of Marshalltown students. At the end of each meeting, she would inquire what they had done for students — something which is still asked.

• Approved an agreement amendment with the City of Marshalltown to maintain Bobcat Boulevard. Schutte said the agreement was under review because of the desire to place speed cushions at entrances and exits of parking lots on the road. The city of Marshalltown cannot enforce any speed limit on that stretch of the road because it is owned by the district. The district can monitor any speeding and pursue trespassing charges against violators. Schutte suggested installing a license reading camera on the property, as well. The other part of the agreement that was adjusted was if the district chose to install cushions, the city would not plow the road in the winter. The district will keep the road open for public access, and remove the cushions in the winter. Schutte said it will be interesting to see the wear and tear on the cushions. He added that the agreement was approved by the Marshalltown City Council.

Heard from Randy Denham, director of business operations, about steps potential candidates should take for the November 2023 election. Candidates will need to gather 50 signatures on an election petition form. The forms must be turned in to him no earlier than Aug. 28 and no later than Sept. 21. Board members with terms coming to an end this year are Board President Sean Heitmann, Vice President Sara Faltys, Jan McGinnis and Bonnie Lowry.

The next Marshalltown Community School Board meeting is Tuesday, Sept. 5 due to Labor Day.

Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.