BY ANN GENADER
WEST MILFORD — West Milford Board of Education President James Foody is continuing with his plan to have a joint meeting of the school board and Township of West Milford Council in mid-January 2017 to explore the use of solar energy.
He believes that a joint solar farm at the rear of the Wallisch property would bring great financial savings to the school board and township and save thousands of dollars for taxpayers.
Foody addressed the council a second time on Dec. 7. He was there at the April 6 workshop when he initially told the council that use of solar energy will help both bodies and greatly benefit the taxpayers. Both times the council members listened with interest and responded to Foody that they are interested in attending a presentation to obtain information.
Foody told The West Milford Messenger that it looks like the presentation will take place during the board workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 17. Foody planned to confirm the date at Tuesday's school board meeting on Dec. 20 at Westbrook School.
He said that the school district can save $550,000 annually in electricity costs and the township can save another $250,000 to $300,000 - and in a few years together they could have enough money left over to pay for the cost of the project.
Foody told the council that the joint meeting is a good way for the two bodies to move ahead and save some money to start getting the Wallisch property into better condition. He visualized restoring the farmhouse for a senior citizen meeting place or a museum.
“The possibilities are endless,” said Foody.
Council and school board members appear to like the idea of exploring solar energy possibilities but were not ready to give an opinion before they have gathered more information.
“I certainly plan to be there (at the joint meeting),” commented Councilman Luciano (Lou) Signorino. “I am in support of a large meeting so that we can partake in discussion.”
He said with the township having a lot of land he sees exploration of solar energy as a great idea. Signorino said through the years a lot of things have changed with the availability and recognition of alternative energy. The councilman is looking for the discussion to bring out what the benefits and concerns about Foody’s proposal are.
Councilwoman Ada Erik said she is completely in support of the township becoming involved with the use of solar energy. She said that energy produced by the township and the school board that is not used can be sold - with a check coming back to the township to ease the tax burden.