Garfield Co. Planning commissioners accept draft code

POMEROY–The Garfield County Planning Commission (GCPC) accepted a draft wind and solar code; announced the resignation of Kyler Lovgren and addressed alleged conflicts of interest at their meeting on Jan. 22.

The GCPC accepted the many-times revised wind and solar code as amended by the commission. The action creates a document that will be referred to the Washington State Department of Commerce, as well as become the subject of a public hearing, the date of which has not yet been set. The draft code will continue to be changed as the commission deems necessary. The accepted code includes requirements for a setback of four times the tower height from non-participating property lines and a non-view restriction from the urban growth area in the wind section, and sight obscuring fencing in the solar section. Setback and fire break requirements for solar projects will be investigated by staff.

Planning Commissioner Kyler Lovgren submitted a letter of resignation, which Chairman Wendi Watson read at the meeting. In it, Lovgren stated that drafting the ordinances requires more time than he is able to give, as well as his concerns over the current commission's lack of experience and the short time required for the code's creation. "I appreciate the opportunity," Lovgren stated in his letter, while also giving his suggestion that the county work together with neighboring counties that are also updating their wind codes. The opening created by Lovgren's resignation will be filled by Garfield County's board of commissioners.

Due to a request made during the public comment period, Commissioners Tanner Cranor, Dave Taylor and Tom Herres gave statements regarding conflict of interest. "I do not own any land in Garfield County, nor do I have direct interest in any alternative energy studies," Cranor stated. "I'm doing this to give back to my community. There's no bias here that I'm aware of. If I see bias I will call it out," stated Taylor. "I have no interests; I'm neutral," stated Herres.

The next Planning Commission meeting is Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. in the County Commissioners' office.