Jefferson Lifts Moratorium on Wind, Sets Moratorium on Solar and Adopts Amended Wind Law

JEFFERSON  – After three moratoriums and an extended public hearing comment period, members of the Jefferson Town Board unanimously approved changes to the town's Wind Energy Facilities Law, hoping it provides enough additional regulation to protect the public.

The Town of Jefferson Wind Energy Law has been on the books for some time and many town residents wanted wind projects to go away and asked the town to rescind the local law. However, rescinding the existing law would have given them no control over any proposed projects. It received comments from neighboring towns as well, not in favor of large scale wind energy facilities. The town left the public hearing open since last May and issued a third moratorium as they continued to listen to public comments and the planning board moved ahead with additional amendments, which is what drew the public into the conversation to start with. The planning board had proposed amendments to the law, but public comment indicated they wanted more stringent safeguards in place.

Martha Hacklin, one of those who spoke against commercial wind developments, volunteered to work with the planning board to help develop a stronger law. Setbacks and other criteria were added. As members of the town board passed a motion to close the public hearing last Thursday, Hacklin thanked them for the process and what the town board went through in that process. She believes it is now a "very thoughtful" law. 

Board members went on to adopt a resolution to amend Local Law #1 of 2010, the Wind facilities Law. 

Hacklin also asked if there was any follow up regarding the wind measurement tower on North road and what may come of that. Supervisor Peggy Hait said the board has no information on that. It was also reported there are no wind projects currently being proposed in the town of Jefferson.

While there was no report from the town planning board, Rich Irwin said the town might want to consider a moratorium on solar projects. The planning board is starting its review.  There are no current proposals, but the moratorium would give them time to review the existing law. Camp Oorah has the only solar energy facility in the town at this point, but Irwin pointed out the Governor's push for green energy and the rural areas where we live makes it possible more proposals will be forthcoming.

Board members went ahead and set a six-month moratorium on solar farms.

The meeting opened with a presentation by Bill VanGorder regarding changes in the town's NYMIR insurance policy. He explained some of the increases, some of them to keep up with the rate of inflation. This year's coverage will increase by $2,280 or less and includes some increased coverage.

The Heritage Day Committee is still looking for volunteers, according to Councilman Don VanValkenburgh. He said they need someone to help sell ads for the booklet. They are researching the possibility of holding fireworks in addition to live music and other activities. The next meeting of  the committee is March 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Town Hall.

In his report, Highway Superintendent Ray Hendrickson said they would begin sweeping roads soon and would be taking photos of equipment he would like to enter on Auction International. He was making a list and said he had purchased a used fire truck from a friend for $1,000 and will use it as a water truck.

The town closed on the Post Office building last week and it is now in the hands of its new owner.

Supervisor Hait said she would like to look into the Historic district issue. She said she believes a lot of people have expressed they are not in favor. She said  the state office of Historic Preservation came to do it eight years ago. Nothing was done at that time. She believes a lot of people with property in the designated area did not receive letters to vote for or against the issue. Attorney Mike West, who was present for the meeting, said they could take another look at it and determine if the state can give it another shot and revisit the issue. West asked how it had been designated and Hait said they were supposed to use the water district or the lighting district, but they did not. She informed them there is no incorporated hamlet. She said the state office of  Historic Preservation selected the area of designation.

There was debate at last month's town board meeting regarding whether or not property owners are limited by the designation in making repairs to their homes.

Hendrickson said he sent an email and an incorrect email that was posted and he sent a letter that did not arrive in time. "They posted a non-functioning web address," he said. 

Hait said they would look to see where they could go on the issue.