February 27, 2014
Ohio

Wind farm project moving along in Greenwich

Scott Seitz | Norwalk Reflector, Ohio | Feb 26 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News | www.renewablesbiz.com

The Huron County commissioners got a little long winded at Tuesday’s meeting. Not exactly. Topping the list of items discussed was an update from Monica Jensen, of Windlab, regarding the proposed wind farms slated for rural Greenwich.

“They (Windlab) have submitted their paperwork to the state for approval,” Commissioner Tom Dunlap said. “There is a lot of red tape and bureaucracy they have to go through.”

Windlab has planned 20 to 26 wind turbines for the rural Greenwich area. These turbines will eventually produce electricity. “I’m not sure that electricity is sold yet,” Dunlap said. The commissioners are participating in the process, according to Dunlap. Dunlap said the board will establish energy safe zones.

“They wanted us to do that for the whole county, but we said we’ll do it on a case-by-case basis,” he said.

The wind turbines might be in operation by 2015, but Dunlap said that date might be pushed back to 2016.

“I haven’t heard any opposition from county residents,” Dunlap said, adding some out-of-county residents expressed opposition during an open house at South Central schools.

In other business, Cary Brickner, from Huron Soil and Water, showed the commissioners the department’s new Global Information System device.

“It’s infrared and includes GIS maps and grids,” he said. “It’s real cool technology.”

Also, Dunlap offered a brief update on the new license bureau/title office project.

“We’re real close to having that design done,” he said, adding the architect (Dan Frederick) is working with the clerk of courts and auditor.

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but I don’t think we’re too far off schedule,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap said the commissioners received about 12 to 15 applications for the new position of fleet manager.

The application deadline was Monday. This person will handle mechanical duties for the county fleet as well as manage it.

“We need to get moving on this,” Dunlap said. “There’s no need to sit on it.”

Finally, Carl Essex, airport board president, presented that board’s formal request in writing to the commissioners involving the proposed revaluation of the commercial building at the airport.

Commissioner Gary Bauer said recently the commissioners would not submit the revaluation request to the board of tax revision without a written proposal.