Wind and solar ordinances in the works
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By Steven Spencer
The Calhoun County Commissioners held a board meeting Monday, March 6.
During old business, the board heard an update on the wind and solar ordinances that are in the works.
Calhoun County State’s Attorney Lucas Fanning said the ordinances will be similar to that of Jerseyville, and will be separated into two ordinances.
“They have too many differences, so I think it’s going to be best to make two separate ones,” he said.
Fanning noted that some of the main concerns that will be addressed in the ordinances are setbacks and personal use.
He said there are a lot of setbacks, and the structures have to be back so far from preserves, buildings, schools, structures, rivers and bluffs.
“This is not going to hinder personal use,” Fanning added. “I will add stuff in there to define and address personal use, so that if you want that it has to be so far from a house incase it falls, it has to be so far from a property line. and the solar panels, if it’s larger than A certain size then it has to be so far from a property line so that you’re not hindering the use or enjoyment of someone else’s property.”
The board also discussed the plans for a new elevator at the administrative building, and approved a motion to accept a contract with Evan and Lloyd for $28,000 and move forward with a meeting with them in April.
During the discussion the board also approved a motion to utilize an overseer to help with plans and construction of the elevator.
Before finishing old business, the board reviewed a letter that will be sent to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The letter addressed the poor conditions of boat ramps at IDNR public use facilities in the county.
In new business the board agreed to apply for a matching fund grant for the historic preservation of records. The grant will help with the digitization and preservation of historic documents that were saved from a fire at the courthouse in 1847.
