ST. PETER — Nicollet County commissioners unanimously approved a large, solar energy system and an additional $175,000 appropriation for a Health & Human Services (HHS) expansion space project March 26.

A motion by Commissioner Dranttel, seconded by Commissioner Luepke, accepted the Planning & Zoning Commissioner’s March 18 report including a large, solar energy project application by Gordian Energy Systems and Nicollet Township landowners Joel and Anika Enter.

Commissioner Luepke asked about a resident who was concerned about the loss of TV, Internet and cell phone signals with a large solar project.

Nicollet County Property & Public Services Director Mandy Landkamer said the company has tested for stray voltage and it is not a foreseen problem. Landkamer said there have been meetings about three potential solar energy sites this year and there could be others who have not contacted the county yet.

An additional $175,000 appropriate for a H&HS expansion space project was approved, motion by Commissioner Kolars, seconded by Commissioner Morrow. A motion by Commissioner Luepke, seconded by Commissioner Dranttel to approve completion of the technologies expansion space project was unanimously approved.

The HHS expansion space project consisted of construction of 2nd floor HHS expansion space into usable office space as included in the 2019 budget. With the demand for technology increasing, the need for more office space increased.

Expanding the technologies office into the 1880s basement was approved in the last five-year Capital Improvement Plan. There is money in the 2019 budget to pay for the project.