Le Sueur City Council declines to act against bioenergy plant

A dispute over a proposed bioenergy plant in Le Sueur could be headed to court after the city council refused to block the facility.

The Le Sueur City Council has refused to act on a proposal from citizens to block a bioenergy plant. The step means the dispute could end up in court.

The plant would transform agricultural and other waste into methane gas, which would be burned to make electricity. A citizens group wants the city council to pass a nuisance ordinance which could block the plant.

But Le Sueur Mayor Bob Oberle said the council on Monday decided not to act on the proposed ordinance, effectively killing it. The council also refused to order a public vote on the matter.

"Our attorney advised us that there were two areas where, in his opinion, we were in conflict with state law," Oberle said. "If you have conflicts with state law, then state law is going to trump your charter."

The citizens group said the proposed plant will lower property values and cause odor problems. Councilmember John Schultz also opposes the plant. He said the citizens group will now study its legal options and may file a lawsuit.

"The group now is going to be seeking legal counsel as to what the next steps are from a legal action viewpoint," Schultz said.