Discussions have seemingly been placed on hold for the Henry County Board of Supervisors after a work session turned into a stalemate on Tuesday. While many sections of the alternative energy ordinance were discussed, the main issue at hand was the failure to agree on setback lengths.
All three supervisors have proposed distances that conflict with each other. Board chair, Moeller, and supervisor Lindeen, agree that the setback distance should be from structures, which is what the ordinance currently says. Supervisor White, however, argues that the distance should be measured from the property line.
Lindeen believes that one kilometer (3280ft) from a structure is ample setback length, with White wanting 3/4ths of a mile, or 3960 feet, from the property line. Moeller came in much lower, choosing a figure of 2500 feet from a structure. All three men shared their reasoning for the distance that they chose.
The board will be taking the rest of the month to conduct further research in regard to issues with natural disasters, mechanical failures, and things of that nature. Moeller believes that the setback distance is the main hold up at this point in time.
The topic of money was brought forth by Moeller. Further discussion will be had over the value and growth that this potential wind turbine project would bring into the county. Meanwhile, supervisor Lindeen seemed frustrated with the progress of this project, believing that it is continually consuming the board. He agreed that the board should not rush through anything, but did mention that they can’t get anything else done right now because most of their time is focused on this. White called this potential project “monumental” and stated that it would change Henry County for the foreseeable future.