HILLCREST — Hillcrest trustees voted Wednesday to participate in the county’s street maintenance program, with areas first targeted for chip seal in the village’s Southern area.

The street maintenance will be paid from the Motor Fuel Tax fund, which generates approximately $33,000 per year. Slated for 2018 is River Road from Scott Avenue to Ramona Avenue, Ramona Avenue from River Road to Errett Road, and Hillcrest Avenue from River Road to Powers Road.

The estimated cost for the 2018 project is $18,654, which is about half of the MFT funds.

The program is administered by the Ogle County Highway Department, which prepares the bidding documents, solicits bids and manages the construction process for the village of Hillcrest. The service provided by the county is 4 percent of the construction cost.

Trustee Jason Fore explained he, along with Village Engineer Jim Sparber and staff members, went throughout the village to prioritize the estimated 35,000 linear feet of village streets. Split into the approximate 7,000 linear feet per year for five years, a map was generated and color-coded outlining a proposed area.

Fore said the red colored streets as indicated for the 2018 project are the highest priority due to the recent sewer installation. Hillcrest Avenue was also put at the top of the list due to the amount of fissures and cracks in the roadway.

Other business

Village trustees approved the tax levy at an increase of about $1,800, for a total of $54,368.

Trustees also approved the 2018 insurance policy for the village at a cost of $23,294, which is due Jan. 1, 2018, and the electric easement agreement with Rochelle Municipal Utilities for 10 years.

Representatives from Northern Illinois Disposal addressed the board regarding the garbage containers and the issues with them deteriorating. After discussion, it was agreed that the disposal company will identify the containers that are no longer usable or damaged beyond repair and give residents the option to either purchase or lease a new container.

Trustees tabled the Leaf River Communication Lease Agreement until next month. Currently the communications company does not pay any monthly fees to keep equipment on the village’s water tower. Negotiations will continue on a fee and will be discussed at the next meeting.

Solar garden

Trustees heard from Evan Carlson with Innovative Power Systems out of Minnesota who is inquiring about prospective acreage to install a community solar garden. Carlson said he is early on in the selection process and has requested feedback from the village if there are any available 16-20 acre sites.

Carlson explained the purpose of the solar garden is to help people offset their utility bills through a net metering program. Power is generated during the day, available to offset what is used during the evening hours. The program operates using bill credits, which allows subscribers to the garden to buy bill credits to offset the power costs.

At the time, Carlson explained the company is seeking to connect to Com Ed electricity.

“The whole idea is about being fair to people that don’t have a spot for solar panels,” Carlson said.

Carlson said the company generally proposes a 25-year lease with two 5-year renewal options, but will also entertain land purchases.

A minimum of eight acres is needed for a one-megawatt project that could serve between 160 and 180 homes.