February 26, 2019
Kansas

Negotiations continue with NextEra Energy

By Heather Stewart | The Sabetha Herald | February 26, 2019 | sabethaherald.com

Many Nemaha County Citizens filled the Nemaha County Commissioners room Monday, Feb. 27, hoping that this would be the week that a term sheet was released.

Commissioner Gary Scoby said that after their executive session with their wind farm attorney, James Neeld, there was no action taken and they were still in negotiations on setbacks and dollars with NextEra Energy.

“We are still in negotiations with NextEra,” Scoby said.

“There is no term sheet to present today and we are not sure when there will be one,” said Brad Lippert, Nemaha County Attorney.

Kelly resident Darin Hueske questioned whether or not the commissioners had received a site plan showing where exactly the turbines will be placed. He noted that the Hutchinson newspaper reported that NextEra applied for a conditional use permit for Reno County, and along with their application they provided a site plan.

“I don’t think we have seen something set in stone,” Lippert said.

“I’m just curious why that is appropriate in that situation, but not this one,” Hueske said.

“That is something we can discuss with Mr. Neeld,” Scoby said.

Other patrons present asked about noise levels and the complaint process which was mentioned last week.

“We are in our negotiations, and our job at this desk is to hopefully do what is best for everyone in Nemaha County,” Scoby said. “That is what we are striving for. What that is going to look like, we still just don’t know for sure and hopefully we will in a week. It may not be in a week but we’re hopeful.”

The commissioners will meet again at 9 a.m. Monday, March 4, for another executive session with Neeld, with an open wind farm discussion taking place at 10 a.m.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2019/02/26/negotiations-continue-with-nextera-energy/