Tama County Supervisor-elect Mark Doland.

With winter approaching, the work on Salt Creek Wind Phase I is winding down. You may have noticed less activity in that area. I was notified that the last turbine in Phase I was raised last week.

During our negotiations with NextEra Energy on Phase I, David Turner and I met with Kimberly and Jonas (NextEra negotiators) virtually and hammered out the details of the settlement agreement that our Board passed 5-0. Since signing the agreement, all litigation was stopped and the process has moved forward seamlessly for the most part. Every project this size has some hiccups but they have mostly been resolved.

I was able to meet with Jonas last week in person for the first time at our offices. He gave me an update on the completion of construction projected to be targeted before December 31st. During our meeting to which there was no agenda, Jonas inquired of any projects that the remaining workers could donate their time and efforts to. I gave him a few and he is going to follow up.

At the time of our negotiations, Kimberly let us know that if there was anything that was a concern for us we could reach out to her. She has been great to work with and responsive to our requests.

I wanted to share a story that I believe encompasses the relationships that we have developed.

Our 911 Director, Jacob Reineke, was concerned for his budget as I overheard him and the Auditor discussing what he needed to cut. Jacob was talking about cutting staff hours back and printing supplies. I asked Jacob what the issue was that caused the shortage. He said there wasn’t enough money budgeted for the 911 signs that all of the wind towers were going to require and he was told that he could not charge for the sign supplies as he doesn’t charge anyone else for them.

I told him to get me a quote for how much he needed and I would make contact with Kimberly to ask if NextEra would cover the overage.

I ran into Kimberly after the CUP hearing for SCW 2. I pitched the idea to her and asked if she would take my request to their team. Kimberly responded. Not only did she agree to go to their team, she gave me her word that they would cover the overage.

The request came in at well over $4,000. As promised, Kimberly contacted our Auditor and tendered the payment in full to cover the unexpected costs.

Jacob thanked me for my work on securing the funds and joked that his staff will be able to keep working for us now.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Kimberly, Jonas, and the rest of the NextEra staff that we have met with. They have been nothing short of accommodating and respectful since we have begun discussions with them.

I know that not everyone wants to hear the good news after having painted NextEra with evil masks on. I get it. Negative energy usually is more appealing. I cannot speak on the entire company, but Jonas and Kimberly have been absolutely wonderful to work with. They are great representatives of the company and have bent over backwards to make sure that issues were dealt with promptly and satisfactorily.

This will continue until the project is completed, operational, and the roads are released.

I hope this shines some light on the character of the people that are behind the scenes and their good will towards the county. They do not disappear after the project is completed as has been rumored. There will be full-time technicians required to service these turbines for many years.

Next time you hear about the evil corporations behind the ugly turbines, know that the individuals that I have worked with are real people with exceptional character.

Mark Doland of Toledo is the chairman of the Tama County Board of Supervisors.