YORK, Maine - Selectmen Monday night approved putting 10 proposed ordinances on the May warrant, including a town wind power ordinance and significant changes to the town's growth ordinance.

Few residents spoke at the second and final public hearing on the proposals, and most who did spoke about the wind ordinance.

The ordinance will allow small wind turbines in all base zones in town, except in historic district or wetlands areas. Power output will be 20 kilowatts maximum, except for those on municipal lots of more than five acres. In that case, a 50 kilowatt turbine could be built.

The lot must be conforming and noise cannot be greater than 50 decibels.

Resident Jeff Goodman, who said he ran a small wind turbine business, expressed concern, particularly of the noise portion of the ordinance. He said when the day is windy, like it was on Monday, with winds at 20-25 mph, the wind itself would likely exceed a 50-decibel level.

Town planner Christine Grimando agreed that the noise level was restrictive but that it was on purpose. She said the Planning Board wanted to start small and, if there were no problems, the ordinance could be changed in the future.

Planning Board member Lew Stowe told selectmen his board "proceeded with caution" in creating the oridinance, saying "there's not a lot of experience out there. This is a cautious step. We want it successful."

The selectmen agreed with that sentiment.

"This is a good ordinance to put before voters. We need to find out if there's public interest in this," said Dave Marshal.

"Let's just do things slowly and let's have the public digest what's being done," said Ted Little. "In this case, we're being extremely cautious. It's a start, but it's a decent start."

Cathy Goodwin, while voting in favor of the proposal, said she thought it discriminates against those who want to build cell towers, which are currently not allowed.

The other matter that garnered public comment was an amendment to the town growth ordinance. If passed, people who rise to the top of the list to get a growth permit will be able to defer the permit for up to 24 months. Also, those who have a permit will be able to extend it for one year. Finally, of the 96 allowed each year, 44 will be awarded each year in June, and then two per month for the remainder of the year.

Attorney James Bartlett thanked the board for the ordinance, which reflected changes he had suggested at the first public hearing.