Rogers City residents who have an opinion regarding a proposed wind turbine ordinance for the city will have the opportunity to speak up at April's planning commission meeting

Members of the Rogers City planning commission voted unanimously during their Monday evening meeting to set a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance.

In addition, a six-month moratorium was passed, barring all wind turbine projects within the city until the commission is able to study the issue further.

"This is something that requires a lot of study and careful thought," said City Manager Mark Slown.

Slown worked with representatives from the Northeast Michigan Council of Government in drafting the ordinance, which contained provisions regarding residential and commercial use of the turbines.

The commission voted unanimously to strike the part regarding residential usage and not have wind turbines allowed in the city in residential areas.

Mayor Beach Hall said wind turbines in residential areas could be like wood stoves.

"Something that is fine on an acre or two, but not within the city limits," he said.

Slown said the wind turbine issue is something the city would have to deal with eventually, it is an up and coming energy source and there has been discussion about different people and organizations in the city making use of it.

"It is a natural energy that is not going to go away," said Commissioner Al Meyer.

Meyer said he works around shipping freighters all day and he sees ships coming in daily carrying supplies for wind turbines.

Commissioner Milt Very said most of the people who would look at putting in wind turbines tend to be environmentally conscious and, because of the high cost of the turbines, are likely to have money.

"I don't think the average Joe is going to spend $20,000 for wind power," Meyer said.

The commission agreed that wind power is an emerging issue and one the city should address when it has the information it needs, including public input.

"I think we are trying to get ahead of something here and I think that is a good thing," Hall said. In other business:

? Toby Kuznicki, city zoning/engineering assistant, told the commission a change of use permit was issued for 409 North Third Street. A resident is going to rent the back part of the location and have a business involving cut flowers and flower arrangements.

In addition, the property owner of 194 Depot Street is applying for a proposed use permit as a motel/hotel. No date has been set for a site plan review. Until that happens, the issue will be handled by staff.

Janelle Packer can be reached via e-mail at jpacker@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5695.