With the restrictions communicated to the public regarding public gatherings do to the coronavirus, the Clinton County Commissioners were faced with a decision regarding the solar farm overlay at its Tuesday, March 17, 2020, meeting. Bring it up for a vote, or leave it tabled.
“We know it is a hot topic and folks are very interested in that,” said County Commissioner Josh Uitts. “So, we made the decision to take that off of the agenda because we didn’t folks coming in here being unnecessarily exposed to anything or take any kind of risk. And, at the same time, we didn’t want to make a decision of that magnitude when folks can’t be here. It’s just not the right way to do things and we are going to make sure that folks, one way or another, have the ability to attend a meeting – whether that is here physically; hopefully, in the near future or virtually.”
The solar overlay, also known by its legal document as Lupac #02-20-358 Ordinance 2020-04, could become effective even if the Commissioners do not vote.
Liz Stitzel of the Area Plan Commission informed the Commissioners at the March 3, 2020, meeting that under state law they have 90-days to either vote to approve or deny the Lupac or the Lupac becomes effective the way it is recommended by the Area Plan Commission without action.
The Commissioners asked County Attorney Tom Little to look into whether Indiana law would allow for virtual meetings. A finding will be communicated once research has been concluded.
