HomeMy WebLinkAbout7-9-19 Special MeetingTown of Enfield
Special Town Board Meeting
Enfield Community Building
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Present: Town Supervisor Beth McGee, Town Councilperson Virginia Bryant, Town Councilperson
Mike Carpenter, Town Councilperson Mimi Mehaffey, Town Clerk Alice Linton. Excused: Town
Councilperson Becky Sims.
Supervisor McGee called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Town Clerk Linton lead the assemblage in
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Privilege of the Floor: Councilperson Carpenter spoke with Martha Fischer of Enfield who asked that
language in the wind law be less negative.
Old Business:
Solar Law: Town Clerk Linton is keeping in touch with Town Attorney Guy Krogh who will be
providing language for the legal ad for the public hearing to be held July 24, 2019.
Wind Law: The Town Board continued reviewing the draft law, starting on page 20 of the May 14,
2019 version. They removed some negative language and made some language clearer. Jude Lemke
once again agreed to make notes and change wording as suggested by Town Board members.
Some issues can be addressed in the scoping document.
Setbacks – Residences, Property Line, Unique Natural Areas, Driveways and Roads: Several thought 1
mile was excessive and basically a ban for Enfield. Some discussion suggested 2,640 feet might be
reasonable and distance was a better marker, and clearer, than going according to the height of a turbine.
If less than 1 mile is used, flicker should be addressed – possibly by turning off the turbine during
certain hours.
Height Restriction – 500 feet was questioned, but determined to leave as is.
Substation Setback – 1,000 feet from any residences or property lines is in the proposed law. The
committee will look to see what some other laws use for this setback.
Jude Lemke suggested holding some educational sessions to help residents understand leases. These
could be sponsored by environmental or farm groups.
In the past there wasn’t complete communication when the engineering firm was involved. Language
will be added so that the Town Board would be included in communications.
Page 45 Permit Review and Process – The town clerk shall notify all adjacent landowners by certified
mail, at the expense of the applicant, of such application. Should the Planning Board be involved?
Page 46 Abatement, Removal – Is a period of 1 year reasonable, or should more time be allowed for an
individual – 5 years. They could then ask for an extension if desired.
Page 47 Permits, Fees and Agreements – Omit the amount of fees so they can easily be changed.
Enfield Town Board Special Meeting, July 9, 2019
Page 51 Section 487 Tax Election – This is covered on page 48 under Host Community Agreements and
PILOT Agreements, so the section can be removed.
The July 17, 2019 meeting will still be held so Councilperson Sims will have an opportunity to add
further comments.
Announcements: None
Adjournment: Supervisor McGee adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Alice M. Linton, RMC
Enfield Town Clerk
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