Moratorium on solar energy moves forward

WASHINGTON — Newly re-elected town Supervisor Gary Ciferri opened the Nov. 9 meeting to a large crowd. Many were there to talk about the future of solar farms in the town.

Councilmen Mike Murphy and Al DeBonis, who are on a committee studying solar power and how it’s used in other municipalities, gave a broad overview of what they have learned.

The pair pointed out that there are many differences between solar energy for individual households and solar energy used commercially.

To allow time for the town to fully consider its pros and cons, the board unanimously approved a six-month moratorium, renewable at the end of that time if deemed necessary. It was passed as Local Law No. 1 of  2017, also known as the Interim Development Law.

Paperwork must be filed with the proper state authorities as well as the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, which is working with town on the issue. Another public hearing will be scheduled at the end of the six-month period. Until then, solar power will be off the table. 

During public comment, it was noted that the Cary Institute is in the process of acquiring solar energy. Its consultant, David Magid of YSG Solar, gave a short presentation on what Cary is hoping to do.

Also at the meeting, Ciferri announced the need for a volunteer for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), which meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., as needed. He also mentioned openings for a part-time building inspector and a part- time zoning administrator, both paid positions. It’s possible that the two jobs could be combined into one position.

The highway superintendent offered a list of highway material bids, and upon his recommendation the board approved them. 

A budget hearing was opened and closed with no action taken as more work needed to be done, and the public hearing for the 2018 budget will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14. 

On the recommendation of Assessor Kathy Myers, the Town Board introduced a resolution to hold a public hearing, also on Dec. 14, to extend veterans’ exemptions, which will expire soon, for an additional 10 years.

Also on Dec. 14, a public hearing will be held on the fire contract with the East Clinton Fire District for $2,500, as well as the fire contract with the village of Millbrook.

Brian Hicks, who leads the efforts every year for the Festival of Lights Christmas parade, announced that a neighboring town has set their parade for the same night as Washington. He urged community participation in the town-wide event, now in its seventh year. Hicks is inviting anyone with a vehicle to “rig it” with holiday lights and join the parade, which takes place at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1.

There will be a tree lighting at 6 p.m. that evening, at the foot of Franklin Avenue. Afterward, preschoolers through third-graders are invited to the firehouse to meet Santa and have refreshments. The event is courtesy of the Recreation Department.

The next Town Board meeting is on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.

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