Peter Gross of Babcock and Brown presented a request for a permit to put up another meteorological tower in the town of Westfield.

According to Gross, after the public meetings about the possibility of wind farms in the Westfield-Ripley area, several families approached him about how they could become involved in the project.

"They came to us which started us looking at the possibilities in that area," Gross said. "We won't know for sure until we have the readings from the met tower but we're proceeding with hopeful caution."

The Town Board will have a public hearing about the permit at 7:25 p.m. in Eason Hall before the next town meeting on April 2.

Gross also addressed the board to clear up some possible confusion about the public presentations.

"I stated that our California wind farm could be a model," Gross said, stating that Babcock and Brown had replaced 179 old turbines 38 modern ones, which are significantly more bird-friendly due to design and technology improvements such as mono-pole supports instead of lattice towers, which birds were drawn to to perch. "I never said that we had eliminated the bird problem entirely." [Editor's note: there is no proof that the newer, larger wind turbines are safer for wildlife. Reports from CA indicate bird kills have risen.]

In other news:

1. The board approved the highway department's mower bid and gave approval to go out to bid for a tractor and for fuel.

2. The board accepted the resignation of Joseph Orton from the Planning Board with regret.

3. Anthony Piscoli was appointed to a five year term on the Zoning Board.