A proposed change to rules for siting wind farms in McLean County didn't get very far.
Board member Catherine Metsker took aim at the County Zoning Department for failing to notify townships and cities of the potential change.
"The lack of openness in this office was frustrating. And I only obtained the information that I specifically asked for, nothing more," said Metsker.
Zoning Director Phil Dick said specific wind farm projects have broader notification requirements than a text amendment, even though the implications are potentially more far reaching.
Metsker also took issue with potential interest group domination of the process.
"It was not until the end of May when the building and zoning office informed me through a letter of the Farm Bureau's text amendment. To my surprise, the heading was scheduled two weeks later," said Metsker.
Zoning Director Phil Dick said no text amendment is public until it is filed as an application. He said it's not unusual for those seeking changes to talk with the county multiple times to make sure the change has a chance of being legal.
Metsker demanded other stakeholder input.
Metsker also hoped for wider setbacks of wind towers from residential and non residential structures, varying depending on the height of the proposed towners. She wanted to beef up financial requirements of wind energy companies to reserve money for decommissioning, and she hopes for better protection of wildlife.
Phil Dick said the Farm Bureau drafted text amendment mainly conforms to what has happened with preceding wind farm projects in the county. He said Metsker's proposed setback requirements might make it impossible to place any more wind towers in the county.
The board sent the issue back to the Zoning Board for another hearing and asked that township supervisors, villages, and cities be notified so they can participate.
The Land Use Committee may also revise public notice requirements for zoning cases in the future. And some board members think the state legislature should address the logical disconnect of having more notification required for specific projects than for rules changes that could affect the entire County.
