By PHYLLIS ZORN

Staff writer

County commissioners Monday once again discussed imposing a moratorium on wind farm development in the county, although the moratorium would not apply to either Diamond Vista or Expedition Wind.

“I’d like to ask again that we put a moratorium on wind farms,” commissioner Dianne Novak said. “I know there’s another wind farm out and about signing leases.”

Novak said she thought the commission should adopt an article earlier written for planning and zoning regulations that set wind farm overlay districts.

In April, Novak said Article 27 had inconsistencies that needed to be addressed.

“You need to protect the county residents,” Novak said.

Commission chairman Kent Becker said he did not know a moratorium would be discussed at Monday’s meeting.

Novak said a moratorium should be put initiated now and put on the ballot for the 2020 election.

County clerk Tina Spencer said such a ballot question would advisory only, like a survey.

“You’d have to have a special election,” Spencer said. “This does not have a legal authority to be added to an election.”

Planning and zoning director Sharon Omstead said a moratorium was discussed at last week’s planning and zoning commission with good comments on both sides of the issue.

Commissioner Randy Dallke said if the planning and zoning commission is discussing a moratorium, county commission should let them make a recommendation.

“So you’re opposed to the moratorium, Randy?” Novak asked.

Spencer said a moratorium discussion needs to be an agenda item for a later meeting.

County counsel Brad Jantz agreed to look into a moratorium.