Pettisville Board Hears About Geothermal Heat

If zoning variances are approved by Clinton Township, the new Pettisville High School will get its heat from water.

In a special board Wednesday, June 24, Brent Buehrer, lead architect for the new school building, described the proposed geothermal heating system to board members.

If zoning variances are approved, the new school will be heated by a geothermal system that draws heat from coils on the bottom of a 20-foot-deep pond.

The pond will be constructed on the south side of Co. Rd. D, on property the school district purchased recently.

The pond requires a zoning variance because plans call for the pond to be set back 65 feet from the road. The township zoning code calls for a 100-foot setback.

The pond could also serve as an eco-center for the science and agriculture departments.

Soil excavated from the pond could also be used by the district to help meet a need for fill dirt to level the new school site on the north side of Co. Rd. D.

The board approved requesting the zoning variance for the construction of the pond.

In addition, variances will be requested for the construction of a bus garage between Co. Rd. D and Brush Creek, for parking lots that will be constructed up to the lot lines, and for a fence on the south portion of Oak Street around a proposed playground area, even though the fence might be constructed in the right-of-way.

Saturday Sessions

Steve Switzer, district superintendent, told the board the district is planning on some Saturday morning sessions that will be open to district residents.

The sessions will update the public on the status of the project, and seek public input on some of the finer design aspects.

As an example, Switzer said a citizens group could look at plans for restrooms, considering everything from size and style of stalls to towel dispensers.

Switzer said the district could just go with whatever the architect specifies, but the board would prefer the public have a voice in such decisions.

The citizens' group "will look at the plans, and help polish them," he said.

Meetings are tentatively planned for July and August.

Temporary Diamonds

Brian Leppelmeier, athletic director, told the board he is working on plans for softball practice and games during the construction phase of the new school project next spring and summer.

Leppelmeier reached a verbal agreement to use a field at Biddle Park in Wauseon for some softball needs, including varsity softball home games.

He is working on plans for other teams and for the summer recreation program.- D.J. Neuenschwander