By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
The Aug. 20 regular meeting of the Guthrie County Board of Supervisors was held in the top floor courtroom to accommodate the anticipated large attendance. The audience was estimated at 50 or more individuals, including those participating via remote technology.
The bulk of the meeting involved discussion about the proposed CO2 pipeline to be built by Summit Carbon Solutions. County Attorney Dana Minteer provided a brief statement.
“The decision was primarily made by the Iowa Utilities Board (Iowa Utilities Commission),” Minteer said. “It’s already been determined that counties do not have jurisdiction.”
She added that, in her opinion, there is not much the county can do other than pass a resolution in opposition, but she said that could result in the county being sued and possibly paying damages to Summit.
Fourteen local citizens individually addressed the supervisors to express their concerns and opposition to the pipeline. None spoke in favor of the pipeline. The two main objections centered on eminent domain and safety.
When asked to give their opinions, the supervisors individually responded, with objection to eminent domain use being the most consistent comment.
Local citizen Lyle Wilson read aloud from Iowa Code Chapter 331 regarding the county supervisors’ duties regarding rights, property, safety and health of residents. He also voiced his opinion as to what the local supervisors’ duty is on this issue.
“That’s your job, gentlemen and lady, so step up,” Wilson said.
Riley Gibson from Summit Carbon Solutions gave information about the project and its status. He explained that while a general “corridor” for the pipeline has been approved, the exact route is not yet determined. He said Summit hopes to come to individual easement agreements with landowners so that eminent domain will not have to be used.
Gibson shared that a public meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Guthrie Activity Center, 209 State St. The public is invited, and Gibson said Summit representatives will share information and answer questions. He added that such meetings generally may last up the three hours.
The supervisors discussed agenda item No. 6, which was listed as “Review Resolution Objecting to the Iowa Utilities Board’s Authority to Enact Eminent Domain Authority Within Guthrie County for Privately Owned and Operated Carbon Dioxide Pipelines.” Supervisor Mike Dickson suggested using a lengthy resolution that had been passed in Shelby County for a similar, but not identical, situation. After discussion about using Shelby County’s resolution as an aid but shortening it significantly, the supervisors agreed that Guthrie County’s proposed resolution’s exact wording should be reviewed by Minteer prior to consideration. Supervisor Steve Smith agreed to help work on developing proposed wording.
The next regular meeting of the supervisors will be Tuesday, Aug. 27 at 9 a.m. The public is welcome to attend in person or via remote technology. To join remotely, call 323-792-6123, then use meeting code 547029216#.