Public Comment On Setbacks & Roads; Office Email Hacked
By Jessica Wald
Commissioners heard several views and suggestions during the public comment portion of the regular Logan County Commissioners meeting last Wednesday, February 11, when all board members were present including Chairman John Wald, Bryan Batsch and Blanche Schumacher.
All public speakers were told they have a strict three-minute time frame to give their comments, as a timer was set for each and they were notified when the time was up. Paulette Jacobson spoke, via phone conference, how the distance should increase for setbacks between future wind towers and a resident dwelling. She gave several examples of safety concerns such as flying ice chunks, long term pollution, malfunction safety, electric magnetic field, etc. Jacobson also gave a concern of other setbacks for different projects.
Tim Rath also gave his feedback on suggestions for zoning setbacks. He said there is a petition to begin the process of changing the zoning laws and asked if someone could describe the process to get a change made. He, along with several other land owners were in attendance, agreed something needs to be done so residents are more protected. He gave several safety concerns, along with others giving nuisance examples- such as blade noise, blade shadows and blinking red lights. Rath suggested a change be made for all set backs of wind turbines, battery storage centers, data centers, etc., to be at least three miles from a residents’ home and two miles away from dwellings.
State’s Attorney Grant Walker was on hand and briefly described how a zoning ordinance can be changed. He noted a petition needs to be submitted, then a public hearing notice must be published in the official county newspaper for two weeks, a hearing would be held, then commissioners can vote on whether to adopt a change to the zoning ordinance or not. Rath asked if they can get the ball rolling so it can be advertised and a public hearing held soon. Schumacher said she received calls from. . .