South Central Reporter

Macoupin County Board Economic Development Committee met June 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

I. CALL TO ORDER

PRESENT: Armour, Starr, Blank, Kilduff, Klausing, Payne (Remote), Rosentreter

ABSENT:

II. AGENDA ITEM

1. Solar Panel Ordinance

Armour said the committee had a draft of the solar ordinance. There was also another draft of the solar ordinance. Assistant State's Attorney Frericks discussed with the Board that if they did not approve an ordinance, solar panels could come in with no real restriction. By approving an ordinance, they could impose some restrictions, but as long as the solar companies meet the requirements of the ordinance the Board would need to approve the company coming in. There were questions regarding if the county could restrict the number of solar farms that are allowed in the county, whether the county can consider if a foreign company would be the one putting the farm in, if the setback requirements could be greater than 15 feet from the property line of a non participating land owner, as well as a few other items. Rosentreter suggested hiring the attorney who assisted with the wind permit process to draft the solar ordinance before the county adopts it to try and make it as good as possible to begin with. Frericks said he would reach out to the attorney to try to get an estimate on what that would cost before Tuesday night's meeting.

Motion by Kilduff, seconded by Blank to recommend to the full Board engaging the attorney who assist with the wind permit hearing to draft a solar ordinance.

RESULT: MOTION TO RECOMMEND [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Kilduff, Member SECONDER: John Blank, Member AYES: Armour, Starr, Blank, Kilduff, Klausing, Payne ABSENT: Rosentreter

2. Motion

Motion by Kilduff, seconded by Blank to seat Klausing at 5:09 pm.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Kilduff, Member SECONDER: John Blank, Member AYES: Armour, Starr, Blank, Kilduff, Payne ABSENT: Klausing, Rosentreter

3. Motion

Motion by Kilduff, seconded by Blank to seat Rosentreter at 5:16 pm.

RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Ryan Kilduff, Member SECONDER: John Blank, Member AYES: Armour, Starr, Blank, Kilduff, Klausing, Payne ABSENT: Rosentreter

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