Study to gauge plausibility of using methane to create energy
Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
Whitewater officials are moving forward on a proposal to turn waste matter into a potentially profitable enterprise.
The Common Council on Feb. 4 voted to enlist the services of Madison-based Trane, a company devoted to heating and air conditioning services and systems, to review the city’s biodigester facility.
Trane staff members have been tasked with conducting an audit and bringing forward a recommendation on the feasibility of the city’s biodigester consuming industrial waste from municipalities and industrial companies throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
Trane’s services are not expected to exceed $70,000. City staff did not budget any funds for the feasibility study into the 2014 municipal budget.
“This project will be funded from the Wastewater Utility operating fund balance,” said Tim Reel, the city’s wastewater treatment division superintendent. “The preliminary financials for 2013 show that operating revenues increased more than expected, while expenses were lower than anticipated.”
The biodigester facility has been a frequent topic of conversation at recent council meetings. Reed on Jan. 21 said the methane gas created from the digesting process can be used to create energy and, in turn, reduce the city’s reliance on gas and electricity through We Energies.
Other matters
In other business, the council on Feb. 4:
• Heard a report from Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher. The city’s long-awaited K-9 program is moving forward, she said, after a vigorous kickoff to its fundraising campaign. The $49,000 initial price tag to purchase the trained dog is being funded through several sources, including proceeds from T-shirt sales, last year’s run-walk and the National Night Out.
Otterbacher said a donation from Brown Deer philanthropist Stan Kass gave the department the funds necessary to purchase a police dog, which will be considered a sworn member of the force and will reside with one of the officers.
Several local organizations – including the Whitewater Animal Clinic and Jefferson-based Nestle Purina Pet Care – are providing supplies and services. Otterbacher said the fundraising appeal will be an ongoing effort.
• Passed a resolution that officially discontinues use of an alley, located just east of Cordio Auto Body, 222 S. Esterly St. The change comes in conjunction with planned infrastructure redesigns during the city’s East Gateway project.
• Adopted an ordinance that incorporates the recently approved bicycle and pedestrian safety plan into the city’s comprehensive plan, a document that outlines a number of initiatives related to future development.
• Appointed residents Timothy O’Toole and Nate Parrish to the Board of Zoning Appeals and Whitewater University Technology Park Board, respectively.
• Discussed, but took no action, on a possible ordinance that would amend stormwater management policies. The city is reviewing drainage issues in a number of flood-prone areas, particularly along Woodland Drive.
• Directed city staff to appoint a person to handle any complaints that might arise from residents regarding the distribution of advertising material, such as newspaper shoppers and other periodicals. Fines can be assessed if a company is in violation of a city code that empowers residents to request such materials not be delivered to residences.
• Established two dates for public hearings pertaining to the city’s zoning rewriter project. A hearing on commercial properties will be held Feb. 25, while a hearing on residential properties will be held March 10.
