City Council tables action on electric vehicle charging station in Center St. parking lot

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 3:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

On Monday evening, the Plymouth Common Council tabled its decision on the Electric Vehicle Charging Host Site agreement with MACOG (Michiana Area Council of Government).

City Attorney Jeff Houin explained the agreement to provide the city with four electric vehicle charging stations in the parking lot at the northwest corner of Washington and Center Streets. The agreement provides the charging stations at no cost to the city, but the city is responsible for the installation estimated at $11,000 to $15,000. The agreement requires the city to pay the monthly electricity bill, and it has been determined the funds will be paid from the city’s Power & Light budget. The agreement requires the charging stations to be operational for five years.

Houin said there have been some changes in state statute and the city will be able to charge a usage fee instead of the hourly rate in use at the River Park Square charging station. Houin said the city can charge on a per kilowatt usage.

Clerk-Treasurer Lynn Gorski questioned some language in the agreement that details video surveillance, a call box, and fire protection.

The city attorney said the agreement is a “boilerplate” but MACOG is not requiring those items.

Councilwoman Shiloh Milner motioned to approve the agreement, but her motion died for the lack of a second.

Councilman Duane Culp asked for clarification on the security requirements in the agreement. He said he didn’t want to be held liable for the items in the agreement.

Councilman Randy Longanecker motioned to table the agreement for clarification and the county unanimously agreed. They will consider the agreement at their next meeting on Monday, February 24^th.