November 14, 2017
Michigan

Ingersoll Township residents to discuss wind turbines

John Kennett | Midland Daily News | November 14, 2017 | www.ourmidland.com

Thursday night, Ingersoll Township residents will have another opportunity to learn more about the proposed wind turbines in their township.

An informational meeting called “What do turbines mean to Ingersoll Township?” is planned for 6 p.m. in the Bullock Creek High School cafeteria, 1420 S. Badour Road.

Sponsored by Ingersoll Township Concerned Citizens, the keynote speaker will be Kevon Martis, director of the Interstate Informed Citizens Coalition. The non-profit, which opposes wind turbines, states that the coalition is “dedicated to raising public awareness of the potential impacts from the construction of industrial wind turbines in our region.”

Other scheduled contributors will be Rep. Gary Glenn, chairman of the House Energy Policy Committee. Glenn has been an advocate for increasing energy choice for Michigan customers, which Consumers and DTE Energy ave opposed.

Currently, the Ingersoll Township Planning Commission is in the process of formulating a township wind ordinance. Their next meeting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 20.

“As supervisor, I have not been involved, but am pleased to see the issue being contemplated by a broad audience,” Ingersoll Township Supervisor Chuck Tabb said.

Last March, an emotionally packed Ingersoll Township Hall heard from various Ingersoll Township residents, along with those from outside the township. Also, at that meeting DTE’s Scotty Kehoe spoke regarding the process and status of wind turbines in the township. DTE has approached various township residents about the possibility of placing wind turbines on their property.

At its March 2017 meeting the Ingersoll board voted on a one-year moratorium on the issuance of special use permits for wind energy. Three trustees, Supervisor Chuck Tabb, Mary Ellen Keel and Curtis Shaffner voted in favor of the motion while Jacob Terwillegar opposed. Jim Terwillegar was absent.

With wind turbines a possibility on the property of some board members, Tabb felt it necessary that the township draft a conflict of interest policy. He said with a policy in place, township residents would have a better understanding of the issues.

At September’s Ingersoll board meeting, a conflict of interest policy was approved by a 3-2 vote. Tabb along with Shaffner and Ellen Keel voted in favor. Voting against the policy were Jim Terwillegar and Jacob Terwillegar.