Council to discuss measure more at June 16 meeting

City council members want to take some time to think about allowing wind energy in the community.

Following a 20-minute public hearing on June 2 about zoning and subdivision regulations which included wind energy systems, the council decided to introduce the proposal and amend language at the June 16 meeting.

"So many people are thinking of doing it, we felt we needed something in our regulations," said city administrator Bruce Clymer.

The planning and zoning commission recommended that wind energy systems not be allowed within the city or a one-mile radius from town.

However council member Jim Aden said he thinks wind energy needs regulation but "I don't know if I agree with nothing."

Aden said he had investigated the possibility of installing a small, wind energy system at his bin site east and within a one-mile radius of town.

Local resident Don Abbott, who worked for Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District, said wind energy isn't the answer as traditional sources generate more power and are much less costly to consumers.

Aden pointed out that the nation is moving toward alternative energy sources.

"It seems like we're moving in the opposite direction of the rest of the country and we could be a part of it," he said.

Without regulations, council president Jeff Kennedy said wind energy system could create noise in a residential neighborhood and users might remove trees to capture more wind.

Clymer said there have to be height restrictions as well.

Federal regulations also require cities to buy excess power if someone generates more wind power than what is needed which would be more expensive than public power, he said.

Former mayor Larry Franzen said there isn't enough wind in Gothenburg to justify the type of system that would generate excess electricity.

Aden said he was more interested in smaller wind systems that supplement energy usage.

Kennedy said he'd like to visit with planning and zoning members to discuss their concerns while Aden they could maybe limit the size of wind systems allowed within the city.

"We need to protect the community but someone could do it if the situation was right," Kennedy said.