Delayed wind farm leaves retirement house in limbo
Staff writer
The retirement dreams of a man who moved here seven years ago have been in limbo because of an unfinished wind farm project.
Nick Peter owns land southwest of Aulne and wants to build his retirement home. He can’t, however, because of a conditional use permit for a wind farm. He was one of several people who talked to county commissioners Monday.
Tom Britain, who opposed the project early on, reminded commissioners that a permit the county granted to Rex Savage had special provisions.
One was that if the project ceased to exist for two years, the permit would be forfeited and the application process would have to begin again.
Another was that a single, one-year extension could be granted.
Britain asked that the matter be sent to the county’s planning and zoning committee, but commissioners said they wanted to discuss it first at a future meeting.
Roads committee
A dozen onlookers came to hear about a committee being formed to advise the road and bridge department on conditions of roads.
The exact role of such a committee is unclear.
We sent you out with a task and you’re here to report back,” commission chairman Randy Dallke told the group.
But group member Linda Peters replied: “I’m not sure what that task was except you guys were going to discuss it.”
Commissioner Dianne Novak said she didn’t see the benefit of forming a committee.
“I need someone to explain that to me,” she said.
“What would be a good goal here?” Dallke asked.
“I would say I see us gathering together and holding meetings,” Peters said.
Other business
Commissioners closed the purchase of the former Auto House building to house a new Marion ambulance station. The purchase price was $170,000. The appraised value is $122,870.
After discussion about whether to buy the building outright or finance part of it, they decided to buy it with money already in the budget.
They declined to buy the appliances because they can buy new ones for less money.
Emergency Medical Service director Ed Debesis told commissioners that condensation from an air conditioner in the building has caused damage to tiles.
Sheriff Robb Craft told commissioners he’ll need to hire a deputy to replace Wilma Mueller, who has been with the department five years and is moving to Colorado.
“She has good skills and was a good officer, and will be missed,” Craft said.
Commissioners also gave solid waste director Bud Druse permission to seek bids to replace an electric motor that has gone out of a crane at the transfer station.