Glenmore Town Board considers wind farm changes; Final ordinance expected by Nov. 5 meeting

GLENMORE - The Town Board is inching closer to a final Wind Energy System ordinance after its public hearing last week.

Adopted in late 2006, the ordinance has gone through a number of revisions, but officials said a final version will be available for approval at the board's Nov. 5 meeting.

The ordinance needed tweaking after the Town Board voted to allow Emerging Energies to build eight turbines on land owned by four families.

On April 2, the board enacted a six-month moratorium on new wind energy system approvals until the wind ordinance changes could be made.

Tuesday's public hearing brought a few revised changes to the ordinance from the public and the Plan Commission, said Lana Ossmann, town clerk.

"All these changes are still only proposed changes," she said.

The most recent proposed changes include the following:

• Restriction of turbines being located within any floodplains, shorelands or wetland areas.
• Removal of spacing and density requirements.
• Wind turbine generator design standards in accordance to any agency of the state or federal government having the authority to regulate wind powered generators.
• Fencing of all new substations to prevent public access.
• Owner's agreement to reimburse the town's attorney fees in relation to the evaluation, preparation, adoption and implementation by the town of the conditional use permit, as well as a 60-day compliance period after permit is implemented.
• Requirement of a registered, licensed professional engineer, hired by the town and paid for by the owner at a cost no more than $15,000 to review the electrical plans and complete a minimum of two inspections of the project during construction.
• Enforcement of stray voltage testing by the Town Board and at the expense of the owner if neighboring property owners have legitimate complaints.