Wind energy is topic at public meeting
Staff reporter
Whether for it or against it, Marion County residents are concerned about wind energy.
Marion Planning Commission heard comments from the public Thursday evening regarding the proposed changes to the county's zoning regulations and the adoption of new subdivision regulations.
After making a few minor changes, the commission approved both documents. The documents will be presented to the county commission for consideration.
The county commission has the option of approving the documents as presented or making changes.
An overlay district near Florence was proposed and approved as a specific area for the development and operation of turbines for a wind energy business.
The area encompasses an area within these perimeters: U.S.-77 to 140th, west to Pawnee, then south to U.S.-50 and 70th, two miles east to Remington, two south to 50th, to U.S.-77, and then north to 140th. The district does not include land located in section 1, township 21, range 4, section 12, township 21, range 4, and section 18, township 21, range 5.
David Brazil, county zoning director, said the site was selected based on transmission, residential density, accessibility from roads, and probable wind speeds.
Brazil was asked if this was the only area in the county for wind energy use. Brazil responded it was.
Peabody mayor and county commission candidate Randy Dallke asked if the regulations would prevent the development of wind energy from a an adjoining county.
Scott Michie, the county's zoning consultant with Bucher, Willis & Ratliff, stated the county's planning commission and governing body could amend the adopted regulations.
Brazil said the intent was to do the regulations once and "stick to them."
Michie added that overlay districts are common for establishing policy for a specific use in a specific area.
"There could be another area that meets the criteria and logically could be amended," Michie said.
Eileen Sieger, commission chairman, said there would be an annual review of the comprehensive plan and regulations.
Rex Savage, rural Florence resident, presented a list of concerns and corrections pertaining to wind energy.
Notations were made and the board made some changes related to Savage's recommendations.
The power purchase agreement would be 24 months with a six-month extension for a total of 24 to 30 months.
"Vibrating plow" was added as a method of installing underground lines.
Vegetation will be restored to a compatible use with surrounding ground use.
The wording for conservation easements was changed to be more specific with the site.
Other noted changes in the zoning regulations were housing development allowed in five-acre parcels with a limitation of one parcel per 40-acre tract, and cell tower limitations.
Housing will be allowed on five-acre tracts if specific criteria pertaining to land use, proximity of public utilities, and soil productivity is met.
Dan Holub, rural Marion resident and candidate for county commission, said he didn't understand why there were so many rules with housing on five acres.
"Why should roads be a criteria," Holub asked. "Roads are abandoned when homes are abandoned.
"Decisions are not being left to the landowner," Holub continued. "Maybe the landowner wants to pay for the road or the first year of taxes would cover the expense of the road."
Holub said people were upset with the five-acre minimum and wanted less.
"There ought to be considerations instead of hard, fast rules," Holub said.
Clifford Hett, a rural Marion resident, said he owned an 80-acre tract. He asked for clarification of the number of five-acre tracts he could develop.
Brazil said he could subdivide to make two five-acre parcels and said the subdivision regulations would require public water and sewer.
Later in the meeting, Sieger said she was aware of a study where it proved counties usually lose money when new roads are built for new homes.
The commission discussed concerns about emergency services and adequate roads to new developments.
Sieger also mentioned the five-acre rule was set in the county's comprehensive plan adopted in 2003. Zoning regulations need to follow the comprehensive plan, Sieger said.
Brazil said the subdivision regulations were similar to the cities' regulations.
Dallke asked if the cities still maintained the one-mile radius, urban influence area.
Brazil said zoning issues within the city's influence area would include the city. Two recommendations would be proposed to the county commission — one from the county planning commission and one from the city's planning commission.
Two applications were continued to the October meeting because proper public notification was not made.
The planning commission and board of zoning appeals will meet at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28 in the courthouse.
