2017-03-09-minutes-public-hearing-proposed-temporary-moratorium-on-applications-for-major-alternative-energy-systems

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03/09/2017 MINUTES 1 COMMISSIONERS' MINUTES KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON COMMISSIONERS AUDITORIUM SPECIAL MEETING THURSDAY 6:00 P.M. MARCH 9, 2017 Board members present: Chairman Paul Jewell; Vice-Chairman Laura Osiadacz; and Commissioner Obie O’Brien. Others: Julie Kjorsvik, Clerk of the Board; Dan Carlson, CDS Director; Doc Hansen, Planning Official and approximately 30 members of the public. PUBLIC HEARING MORATORIUM MAJOR ENERGY SYSTEMS CDS At 6:00 p.m. CHAIRMAN JEWELL opened a Public Hearing to consider issuing a six-month moratorium on applications for proposed major alternative energy systems until an update on the Comprehensive Plan is approved. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN noted the Board had met with representatives from Puget Sound Energy on the technical issues relating to solar farms. CHAIRMAN JEWELL noted the matter in front of the Board was a legislative matter and not site specific. DAN CARLSON, CDS DIRECTOR provided a Staff Report and recommended the Board approve a six-month moratorium until July 10, 2017 to allow for further review as authorized by RCW from January 10, 2017. THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: LEE BATES said he was in favor of the proposed six-month moratorium. He reviewed wind energy versus solar energy and the amount of electricity that is generated. HOWARD LYMON recommended not approving the proposed moratorium. He reviewed reasons why he felt solar and alternative energy was the way of the future, as well as in the best interest of the public. He submitted a petition into the record from Environment Washington, opposing a proposed moratorium. JEFF BRUNSON testified against the proposed moratorium. He didn’t feel solar farms would hurt the rural character. He thought it was a good alternative for landowners on ways to use their land. STAN BLAZYNSKI provided information into the record for the Board’s consideration with numbers relating to alternative energy. MICHAEL BLUE expressed concerns with continuing the moratorium and the negative economic impacts it could have for landowners. RICHARD GALLAGHER said things are changing and spoke of the pollution from vehicles, carbon dioxide and wants the land to prosper. He encouraged saving the planet and save the earth. EMILY JACOBS provided information on eco-systems and how diversity is important. She said she was confused by choosing one form of energy over another and use both wind and solar and spoke against the