Pottawatomie County appears to be moving toward extending a temporary moratorium on solar farms.
The current moratorium expires at the end of this year and all three commissioners still aren’t unified in how best to approach balancing property rights concerns with environmental and economic concerns. Commissioner Greg Riat favors a five year moratorium versus a permanent moratorium.
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Commissioner Dee McKee against adopting any lengthy moratorium.
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Commissioner Pat Weixelman said he could settle for a three year moratorium.
With no clear timeline consensus, the commission directed the County Planner to draft a temporary resolution with an undefined time limit, to be finalized at a future meeting.
In other business Monday, commissioners heard an update from Public Works Administrator Tim Eisenbarth as plans to pave Salzer Road south of Elm Slough Road are progressing.
Eisenbarth said Monday that two of the 10 property owners have received packets regarding right-of-way acquisition. The remaining property owners should have theirs in hand by Friday.
The paving project is something the county has been working on for a number of years since the road is heavily utilized by residents as an alternate northern parallel route to US 24.
Commissioner Pat Weixelman says he’s ready to move forward.
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The will also be a need to relocate a water line in the area. Public Works was given direction to start negotiations on relocation with commissioners agreeing to have a work session if necessary to answer any questions or concerns.
Eisenbarth will come back to the commission Nov. 6 with a progress report on Elm Slough.
