Moratorium vote set for Oct. 14

DIXFIELD — A public hearing on a proposed moratorium on developing wind farms drew a capacity crowd Monday night, but it wasn't the time to argue the pros and cons of such development.

"We're not here to discuss wind energy," said Town Manager Eugene Skibitsky prior to the opening of the hearing. "But whether the town would support a moratorium."

He said the special town meeting set for Oct. 14 would be the time to comment on the advantages or disadvantages of wind-farm developments.

That meeting, set for 6 p.m. in the community room of Dirigo High School, will determine whether residents want to call a halt to wind farm development until an ordinance has been written and approved that would guide their development. The vote will be taken by written ballot.

A committee to write a wind farm ordinance has been appointed. It was prompted by a proposal from Patriot Renewables LLC, Quincy, Mass., to begin the research required to pursue construction of a wind farm atop the ridge that includes Colonel Holman Mountain. As proposed, between eight and 20 turbines would be built.

That committee, comprising selectmen, will also learn as much as possible about wind farms.

Selectman Norine Clarke suggested at the board meeting that followed, that an expert in the technology of wind farms be asked to provide information to the board.

At the hearing, few comments were made once Skibitsky said the session was for input on the moratorium, and not on wind energy itself.

Bill deVries asked if the moratorium would be applied to small windmills individuals sometimes install to provide their own electricity needs. Skibitsky said it would not.

If the moratorium passes next month, it would be good for six months, and could be extended for another six months with selectmen and resident approval.

eadams@sunjournal.com