City officials vote to ban wind turbines

City commissioners fell in line with county officials and members of the Mason County Joint Planning Commission when they took the first vote Thursday to ban large scale industrial wind turbines, except in rural industrial zones.

The first reading of the ordinance took place during the Maysville Board of Commissioners meeting; the second reading of the ordinance will take place in October.

The vote was unanimous, however, commissioners Judy Pfeffer and Victor McKay went on the record to say while they didn't want to vote against the recommendation of the JPC, they hope the decision wasn't one the commission would come to regret in the future.  In response to the comments, Commissioner Rick Litton noted the ordinance can always be changed.

Commissioners also held the first reading of an ordinance restricting residential treatment centers to the B-2 highway business zone and I-1A industrial zone. The resolution excludes residential treatment centers from locating in agricultural zones.

The ordinance also addresses restrictions on impound lots and salvage yards. The second reading will take place in October.

In other business, the commission:

-- Accepted the retirement of Public Works employees Charles O'Cull and Don Tumey; both will retire at the end of September.

-- Approved a resolution authorizing an annual letter of commitment for the city's Main Street Program.

-- Awarded a paving contract to H.G. Mayes for approximately $260,000.

-- Accepted Hollan Drive and Hollan Circle as public ways.

-- Gave final approval to a change the hiring age for employees of the Maysville Fire Department from 21 to 18 years of age.

The next meeting of the Maysville Board of Commissioners will take place Monday, Oct. 13 at 5:15 p.m. The meeting date was changed due a conflict with the regular meeting date of Oct. 9.