October 4, 2010
Kansas

Commission to hear appeal on wind project

By Gayle Weber, Hays Daily News, www.hdnews.net 3 October 2010

During their meeting Monday, Ellis County commissioners will hear an appeal of the recent approval of a development plan for Hays Wind LLC.

Keith Campbell, a member of the Ellis County Joint Planning Commission, filed the appeal earlier this month citing the exclusion of the county commission from the final decision process.

The planning commission approved an amended development plan for Hays Wind on a 6-1 vote in August. Campbell was the only one to oppose the motion. The amended plan included relocated wind turbines in the proposed project area.

In his letter of appeal, Campbell said, “There will be a wind project by Hays Wind. There is no question about that. The question is, ‘How much will nonparticipating landowners be negatively influenced by this project?’ ”

As a result, Campbell is asking commissioners to consider the relocated turbines in Hays Wind’s original development plan.

The appeal is scheduled for discussion at 8 p.m. Monday.

According to information provided by County Administrator Greg Sund, the commission will decide “whether to uphold the decision of the Joint Planning Commission or overturn it and mandate they hold another public hearing.”

The commission will meet at 6:45 p.m. Monday at the Ellis County Courthouse. Also on the agenda:

* At 7 p.m., ITC Great Plains representatives will give an update on the power transmission line development that will go through Ellis County.

* At 7:30 p.m., Smoky Hills Resource, Conservation and Development Coordinator Darla Juhl will update the commission on recent activities.

* At 7:45 p.m., Ellis County 4-H will update the board on recent activities.

* Consideration of an agreement to upgrade two railroad crossings to active systems, which would be paid for by federal funds.

* Consideration of agreement with Kaw Valley Engineers for biennial bridge inspections at a cost of $88 per bridge for 231 bridges.

* Consideration of a bridge rehab prioritization agreement with Kaw Valley Engineers for a cost of $3,864.

* Consideration of a contract between the state, city of Hays and Ellis County regarding the environmental cleanup of the Hays Shooting Range, 1116 Vineyard Road.

* Consideration of proceeding with a request for proposals for a comprehensive plan for the county.

* Selection of consultants for performance contracting presentations.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/10/04/commission-to-hear-appeal-on-wind-project/