The Hopkins Township Board Monday evening adopted a resolution establishing rules and regulations for a solar ordinance.
The vote was 4-0, with Clerk Stacy Timmer absent, to accept the recommendation of the Township Planning Commission.
The only issue that surfaced during the meeting was over then maximum setback between residences and between solar panels and wetlands. The Planning Commission recommended 100 feet setback minimums and Township Board members essentially concurred.
There was plenty of sentiment against having solar panels altogether, but Trustee Chuck Wamhoff said, “I know it (solar energy) is unavoidable… I know they (solar panels) are getting better, I just don’t know if I’m ready.”
Several representatives, Mac Hinsch and attorney Ashley Krishner, were present to lobby for reducing the minimum setbacks to 25 or 50 feet, but local officials and members of the audience wouldn’t have it.
One woman said, “Nobody want to have a setback that’s only 25 feet from their property. Solar panels take away the beauty of our communities.”
Supervisor Cade Bolser was told one option was to send the setback issue back to the Planning Commission, but he replied, “I don’t if sending it back will change any of their minds.”
Trustee Bob Modreske moved to approved the Planning Commission’s recommendation and adopt the proposed ordinance.
In other business at Monday night’s meeting, the Township Board:
- Fielded a complaint from citizen Bob Beck about the slow completion of the culvert over the bridge on 16th Street.
- Was told by Bolser the board would be visited by Hopkins Schools Superintendent Scott VanBonn, who will outline the district’s plans for a bond election next spring to replace the middle school and a proposal for the schools, village and township to elevate the school resource officer to full-time police officer.
- Approved payment of $1,685 to Midwest Signs for the sign designating the township hall.
- Tabled a proposal to pay TextMyGov $6,500 the first year and $4,000 each year thereafter for an electronic communication service to residents throughout the township.
- Took no action on funding North Park playground equipment until it becomes clear whether or not there will be financial support from the village as well.
