City to look into alternative energy

Prior Lake City Council members asked city staff on Monday to begin looking into alternative energy sources, including wind power.

Councilman Steve Millar led the charge, asking for a report on ways to use natural resources to lower energy consumption and costs.

“We’ve made natural resources a priority,” Millar said. “We may be able to offset our energy costs with a windmill or wind turbine.”

Council members suggested the city meet with members of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community to explore wind-power options. The tribe already is planning installation of a 2-megawatt wind turbine next to its pow wow grounds. Mayor Jack Haugen also suggested raising the issue as part of the Scott County Association for Leadership and Efficiency (SCALE), comprised of city, county and tribal representatives.

Councilman Chad LeMair said the tribe’s anticipated wind turbine is “on a much larger scale than we could accomplish,” and Haugen said he believes the turbine could cost as much as $2.2 million.

Council targets abandoned homes

As the housing market slump continues, the City Council has begun ordering several abandoned homes within Prior Lake to be secured.

This summer, the council approved an amendment to its ordinance to allow for securing of unoccupied buildings that are considered hazardous or open to trespass. The council ordered the securing of a home at 13380 Hickory Ave. last month, and the developer, Manley Land Development, complied with the order, said Jane Kansier, building and transportation services director.

On Monday, the council issued orders for two more homes: one at 2159 165th St. and the other at 15680 Fish Point Road. The city received complaints about tall grass and weeds growing, as well as unsecured doors or windows, at both homes.

Developers have six days to comply with the orders and secure the properties or risk city intervention. If the city has to pay to secure the buildings, state statute allows it to assess the costs against the property.

– Lori Carlson