Supervisors set rules for wind ordinance hearing

At its Tuesday meeting, the Washington County Board of Supervisors laid down some ground rules for tonight's public hearing on a proposed wind farm ordinance.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Washington County Conservation Education Center, 2943 Highway 92 in Ainsworth.

'We don't want out-of-county people talking,” board Chairman Richard Young said.

The board agreed that only Washington County residents would be allowed to speak during the meeting unless it was someone invited by one of the supervisors.

Speakers will be limited to two minutes each, with County Engineer Jacob Thorius agreeing to keep track of everyone's time.

Each attendee will be required to sign in and declare whether they plan to speak. County Auditor Dan Widmer said that he would handle the sign-in procedures.

The meeting will be in-person only, unlike the board's regular Tuesday meetings which can be accessed via Zoom.

'There will be no Zoom,” Young said.

There was a question regarding whether masks would be required.

Young said that it was his understanding that Washington County Conservation requires masks upon entrance to their indoor facilities, but become optional if people are able to adequately social distance.

'We will abide by Conservation's rules and regulations,” Young said.

The board is looking to put two ordinances in place, one regarding valuation of the land and equipment on wind farms and another regarding regulations pertaining to the construction and operation of a wind farm.

The valuation ordinance will be the subject of tonight's public hearing.

'We encourage everybody to show up, ask questions and say their piece,” Young said.