FOUNTAIN SPRINGS - A group of Butler Township residents has challenged a permit issued to a company planning to erect wind turbines along the Broad Mountain that would allow structures higher than the 35-foot limit.

During Tuesday's meeting of the Butler Township Board of Supervisors, it was announced that an appeal has been filed to reverse the decision by township Code Enforcement Officer Tom Squires to allow the variance.

The proposed project is to construct 27 windmills in the township on 1,300 acres in and around the Fountain Springs area by Broad Mountain Development Co., a Rich family company.

It was established at the May township meeting that Squires was within his authority to issue the permit, and Squires said at last month's meeting no building permit has been issued. Residents were informed that they could appeal Squires' decision before the zoning hearing board.

Supervisor Chairman Kevin Kowalick announced that an appeal hearing will be held by the Butler Township Zoning Hearing Board at 6 p.m. June 24, in the auditorium at North Schuylkill Jr./Sr. High School to hear both sides in the permit challenge.

"With that in the process of being appealed, I really don't want to bring up any questions tonight concerning the windmills since it really wouldn't be fair because of the process that is going on now," Kowalick said Tuesday. "We have nothing new to report anyway. The engineer (WJP Engineering) called me this afternoon and said he's still reviewing what he has and has nothing now."

A resident asked who would be able to participate in the hearing. Township Secretary Kate Staudenmeier said anyone interested in making a comment or asking a question should sign in at the hearing as they enter the auditorium and they would be called on.

In a related matter, resident David Kramer noted that in a previous meeting, Supervisor Robert Burns said he would abstain from any votes dealing with the windmill project. Kramer said it is required by law that if there is any conflict of interest, then it must be disclosed.

"There is no conflict of interest. There is not," said Burns. "My attorney told me to (abstain on those votes)."

Burns, who is involved in the coal industry, as is the Rich family, was asked at a previous meeting whether he had any connections with the wind turbine project or would benefit from it. At that meeting, Burns said he did not, but offered to abstain from those votes in order to remove any questions about the matter.

In other business, the supervisors approved a donation of $100 to the American Hose Company, Ashland, for the annual "Thunder Over Ashland" fireworks display at dusk July 3 at Memorial Field in Ashland.

Kowalick also reminded low- and moderate-income township residents who may need repairs or replacement items for their home may be eligible for grant funds from the HOME Program, a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program administered by states and local municipalities.

Kowalick said there are HOME funds available. Anyone interested in learning more or applying for a grant should contact the township office during regular business hours.