CATLIN — The Solar moratorium for the village of Catlin has been extended by 30 days, which Mayor Justin Bargo says is the maximum they can do at this point.
People from Catlin and the township filled the village hall Tuesday, most seeming to be against any solar fields in the area.
“The scale and industrial nature of commercial solar energy facilities and wind energy facilities present materially different risks than accessory or agricultural uses, justifying enhanced regulatory standards,” the ordinance says in part. “Publicly adopted hazard planning documents and flood insurance studies prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) identify localized risks, including high groundwater tables, flash flooding, and severe hail events, within the Catlin-Tilton corridor. Imposition of siting, construction, monitoring, and financial assurance standards are necessary to protect public health, safety, welfare, and property values.”
The full 52-page Wind and Solar Zoning Ordinance can be read at the village hall or on the village’s website.
“It is important to us that residents have this information easily accessible to review,” states the village’s website. “At this time, Earthrise Energy has submitted applications for rezoning but are aware that no hearings will be held until the moratorium period is lifted.”
Becky Miller spoke out about the solar moratorium and what the village could face from Earthrise Solar Energy.
“[The company] sued the county; it was not the end of the world. It went to the judge,” Miller said. “It sat there forever and got continued and continued and continued. They got nothing monetary, or they got nothing from the county”
David McGee, who lives in Catlin Township, asked why not make it longer than 30 days.
“I think we all know that whether we extend [the moratorium] 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, whatever, Earthrise is going to be upset,” McGee said. “Well, I think it’s high time that we stop thinking about what Earthrise feels and thinks, and start thinking about what the citizens of Catlin and the township think.”
Mike Sacre agreed with others.
“Earthrise should have absolutely no input into what our ordinances are, and I’m quite frankly tired of hearing that,” he said. “Seemingly, they have some input into what our own ordinances are going to be.”
Bargo added what he was told by legal counsel, “it wouldn’t be wise for us to extend the moratorium any more, because they feel that would be an intentional delay.’’
Miller responded Earthrise is just using ‘fear tactics.”
“Well, from going to multiple counties and hearings, these people are really good at these undercurrent threats,” Miller said. “That’s how they get their way by fear.”
The village has spent over $11,000 on the ordinance. Bargo says he anticipates them spending ‘larger.’
The public hearing will take place on Aug. 10 in the village hall.