WASHINGTON

Responding to public comments and criticism in last week’s public hearing about the proposed wind energy conversion ordinance, the Washington County Board of Supervisors Tuesday revised the setback requirement and set a second public hearing for 7 p.m. December in the courthouse.

The setback was changed to a mile, rather than a half mile, and allows for a waiver if sought by property owners, similar to what was contained in the original ordinance.

The second hearing is to meet the requirement that the public be informed and allowed to comment on the ordinance provisions. The revised ordinance will be on the agenda for a first reading at the December 10 regular supervisor meeting, to be followed by the second and third readings with passage anticipated by the end of December.

The setback was a major issue at the November 19 public hearing, with concerns about equipment disposal when a turbine is decommissioned the second issue raised. Both also were concerns at Tuesday’s meeting, with two county residents urging the board to double the setback requirement.

Supervisor Jack Seward, Jr. noted that the move to a mile setback “would send the message that Washington County residents were not in favor” of wind farms, adding that the one-mile requirement would likely take care of other related concerns.

Both residents who spoke also expressed concerns about possible damages resulting from a lightning strike to the turbines, especially if parts of the turbine become scattered and broken around the site.

In making the revision, board members noted that the waiver provision for the setback also acknowledges individual property rights and that the ordinance contains a detailed process for decommissioning.

A request to permit planning and planting for a Community Garden at Orchard Hill, where some of the county offices will be relocated, met with quick unanimous approval. It was noted that a garden had been at Orchard Hill in previous years.

Arranged through the Growing Together group and Iowa State University, grant funding will provide for garden tools, fencing and other materials, and planting will be done by FFA and 4-H club members as well as community members with help from local Master Gardeners. Aside from providing fresh produce for the community, the garden also will be an educational experience for students.

The board also approved personnel matters with a pay change for Aimee Fries, Environmental Health Department, from$21 to $21.50 hourly, and for Carrie Rich, Veterans Affairs Director, from $25 to $26 hourly.

There was a discussion regarding filling the Outreach Director position following the resignation of Brandon Hamilton, effective December 31. There has been a posting with some concerns about the job description; however, sheriff Jared Schneider explained work could be moved into the civil office of the sheriff’s department. Discussion included how much of a workload would follow, especially with existing staff that already are full-time.

The board agreed it needs more information, including staff use and meeting the county’s need to cut $1 million from the budget. The board agreed to obtain more information and have the item on next week’s meeting agenda.

Equally unanimous was approval of the Washington County pledge for support strategies in the Iowa’s Five-Year Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) 2024-2928 and vision of reaching Zero Fatalities on the state’s roadways. The plan has the participation of county boards, and an Iowa County Engineers Association (ICEA) Safe Streets for All grant.

The board also approved final payment of $27,180.70 to DeLong Construction of Washington for Phase One of the Dogwood Avenue bridge project from the bridge abutment at 295th Street for .6 miles.

There was good news from Lynn Whaley of WEMIGA, who told the board that glass is being accepted for recycling at the county Recycling Center, and that there has been 18.04 tons recycled. Although the recycler fee is $50 per ton, recycling glass has lowered the amount going into a solid waste landfill and the tonnage cost. Recycling of paper and of cardboard is also up with the latest at the center for cardboard at 729.15 tons.

In expressing their appreciation for WEMIGA’s work, chairman Richard Young, praising Whaley’s work, said, “You make us look good.”

Also looking good is progress at Orchard Hill, said Supervisor Marcus Fedler, and Auditor Dan Widmer reported on the “very good work of the county poll workers” who Monday did the District 1 Congressional Office recounts in a full 12-hour shift (no breaks, just working lunch) starting at 8 a.m. and finishing at 8 p.m. Results? Exactly as had been with the official canvas that followed the November 6 general election. The official deadline for the election finding and recounts is December 2.