After deliberating for two weeks, the Montgomery County commissioners made a change to the proposed solar farm amendment to the county zoning ordinance at Monday’s meeting. The amendment was sent to them by the county planning commission which included changes to the present zoning ordinance.
The proposal under consideration would have changed setbacks to all ground-mounted solar panels.
The planning proposal would have increased all setbacks from solar farms in every scenario in regards to property lines.
Commissioner Dan Guard made a motion to change the proposed distance from the closest exterior wall of a residence from 500 feet to 200 feet. He also wanted the requirement for black perimeter fencing around each solar farm project and he wanted to retain a way for landowners to have setbacks reduced upon agreement between adjacent land owners.
John Frey seconded the change.
Before the vote Frey asked the audience for comments. Landowner Seth McCloud voiced his opposition to solar farms.
“We do not want to live in the middle of a solar field,” McCloud said. “We moved to the country for a reason. Can you please table this (amendment) so there can be more discussion.”
Frey told McCloud that they have talked and investigated the issue for four months.
With a 3-0 vote in favor of Guard’s motion, the proposed changes will be sent back to the planning commission who can accept the change or reject the commissioners’ recommendation. Either way, the amendment will come back to the commissioners at a later date for consideration again.
Commissioners moved forward on a few items for the Purple Heart Parkway extension which will connect the areas to Ladoga Road.
A memo of understanding was accepted to split the cost with the City of Crawfordsville. The county will be responsible for 51 percent of the project and the city will be responsible for 49 percent. The breakdown represents what part of the project is in the county and city.
Also a design agreement at the cost of $293,000 was accepted from RQAW Engineering for engineering and design services.
Lockmueller Construction was contracted in the amount of $261,900 for inspection and consultation during the extension construction.
In other business the Commissioners:
• Took under advisement two bids from J.S. McCoullogh of Coatesville for work to be done at the county landfill.
• Accepted a bid in the amount of $210,000 for the 2022 property reassessment.
