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Board approves district solar grant, members split 4–3 over fencing plan
Summary
The Long Prairie‑Grey Eagle School Board authorized Ideal Energy to finalize a solar grant for the district but split 4–3 on allowing the required fence design, with trustees expressing differing views on cost and site impact.
The Long Prairie‑Grey Eagle School Board voted 4–3 on May 18 to allow Ideal Energy to proceed with finalizing a solar grant for the district’s proposed installation.
Rich Ragatz of Ideal Energy told the board that "we had been approved for the solar grant" and outlined several scenarios for the perimeter fence that would be required around the equipment. After discussion about fencing options and site impacts, Trustee Zastrow moved to permit Ideal Energy to finalize the grant and Trustee Hollenkamp seconded. The roll-call vote showed Zastrow, Zahnow, Hollenkamp and Chair Gohman voting yes; Wolf, Levin and Wright voted no.
Supporters said the grant represents an opportunity to add renewable energy and potential long-term savings; skeptics focused on aesthetics, fencing costs and site logistics. The board did not specify a final fence design at the meeting, leaving that detail to be resolved in the vendor’s final grant documentation and follow-up approvals.
The motion to allow Ideal Energy to finalize the grant carried 4–3. Next steps identified by the board include finalizing fence plans and returning for any required site-approval steps or contract language once the vendor completes grant paperwork.
