Gary Davidson, a project manager for Horizon Wind Energy, was present to answer questions from citizens and board members during the September 10 Town Board meeting.

When asked to explain the process for developing property, Davidson explained, "We typically approach landowners. We have wind maps, we try to match up wind with nearby transmission [facilities]. At some point, we usually try to introduce ourselves. Our history here in Ashford goes back about five years working with land owners on Dutch Hill."

Davidson indicated that there are three meteorological (MET) towers, which verify wind resource in an area. In explaining how a wind farm is developed, Davidson said, "Assuming the wind law is in place, we'll design our projects to conform within the guidelines of that law. We'll then file an application, explain what the project is, where facilities would be, where turbines would be, where access roads would be, what the impacts of that would be...we'll try to describe that."

Davidson informed the board that they are currently doing sound studies to measure ambient noise which can be compared with noise levels after installation of the turbines. Horizon will also do visual simulations that will show the landscape from various vantage points. The application would identify where collection lines would need to be.

"Typically we try to be underground with our collection lines whenever possible. For construction reasons there are some points where we have to go overhead briefly," he added.

When this information is presented to the town, the town then has the opportunity to decide if the project fits the communities desires. The area around West Valley being explored for wind development by Horizon would be limited to approximately nine to 13 turbines due to the size of the present voltage lines. Davidson said that the size of the turbine used is determined by "the cost of the machine matched up against the wind resource, the performance of the machine in certain wind areas. Some machines might be better to withstand more turbulent type of winds."
He pointed out that Horizon uses a diverse supply chain for its turbines in order to match the machinery to the wind conditions.

Three representatives of the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) organization gave a lengthy presentation during the board meeting regarding a projected trail that could travel through the area. Rick LeFeber, executive director of the Cattaraugus Local Development Corporation; Anne Bergantz, chairperson of the Orchard Park Trails Task Force and Deborah Fenn, a teacher at West Valley school and resident of Orchard Park, summarized the Rails to Trails program and how it could be incorporated in Ashford. According to the committee, the Buffalo-Pittsburgh rail line operated by Conrail has not been in operation since 1994, when an alternate transportation route was chosen. The proposed conversion to a recreational trail would entail the rail bed from Orchard Park to Ashford Junction.

The RTC initiative is to "railbank" the property, which refers to keeping the line and its easements intact. With this method, the corridor is preserved for future use which could include alternate transportation, technical uses such as fiber optics lines, or easy access for water or power transfer. After the Rails to Trails representatives highlighted benefits to communities as well as residents' worries concerning the trails, they answered questions and received comments from board members. One of the biggest detriments to extending the trail through Ashford is that the rail spur runs through the WNY Nuclear Service Center property operated by NYSERDA and would be inaccessible. Questions regarding ownership of the property and tax liabilities were also addressed. It would be necessary for a second party other than RTC to manage the trail and take on financial responsibilities. No action was taken at the conclusion of the presentation.

Other items covered during the board meeting included:

• A tentative budget will be drafted during the September 30 work session.

• Supervisor Chris Gerwitz received a letter from NYSERDA representative Thomas Attridge regarding deer hunting on the WNY Nuclear Service Center property. The letter noted that although deer harvested on the Center's property may contain higher than normal levels of radioactivity, the levels are within the FDA's guidelines and do not present a public hazard. NYSERDA will continue to allow hunting on the property for those with eligible permits.

• A request was made to spend $4,000 on reflective address signs for residents, which would be installed in the spring. The board is awaiting additional information on this issue.

• Highway Supervisor Tim Engels reported that he has received estimates for cleaning and painting the plow and wings used for snow removal, which would remove rust and extend the life of the equipment.

• Engels informed the board that the highway department should consider purchasing a roller, as they currently rent one which is not cost effective over the long run.

• The new International truck has arrived and is awaiting name painting. Engels will actively pursue selling the 10-wheeler, which the new truck replaced.

• The next Ashford Town Board meeting is scheduled for October 8 at 7:30 p.m.