The Marshall County Commissioners will meet today where they will consider the second reading of an amendment to the solar ordinance.
Plan Director Ty Adley said several changes were made to the document when last discussed before the health pandemic. Setbacks and buffering boundaries were adjusted, along with the requirement of a security fence, plus wording that deals with the preservation of topsoil, minimization of deforestation, energy storage solutions, and a wildlife mitigation study. The preferred locations would place solar farms in Brownfields, industrial-zoned property, or marginal agricultural soils. Under the decommissioning process, if the facility has not generated power for six months, than it should undergo the decommissioning plans with a semi-annual generational report.
The commissioners were concerned about the placement of solar farms on marginal agricultural soils as stated in the amendment, but wanted to review more information before making a decision. They will have more discussion today.
The commissioners will also hear from Marshall County Clerk Deb VanDeMark about a possible change per diem for absentee counters on Election Day, and a request to apply for CARES Act grant funding from the Secretary of State’s Office. Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery will present the winter preparedness plan, and a resolution that allows the disposal of radio equipment.
Josh Pitts from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department will have grant requests to present to the commissioners, and Marshall County Assessor Debbie Dunning will have information on a pictometry data sharing agreement.
Highway Superintendent Jason Peters, Marshall County Auditor Julie Fox and County Attorney Jim Clevenger will have regular reports.
The Marshall County Commissioners will meet this morning at 9:30 a.m. in the second floor meeting room (room 203) in the Marshall County Building at 112 W. Jefferson Street in Plymouth.
