Tonya Hall speaks in opposition to Catlin-Tilton Rd solar project
The Vermilion County Board met Tuesday night and took several actions but also heard several public comments on issues ranging from solar projects to the Animal Control Department.
In formal action, the Board recognized the resignation of Ryan Goodner, County Board District 1. Ryan is now the Interim Animal Control Director and his seat is now declared vacant, pending another appointment.
The Board was advised of the annual audit by Sandy Cook, of Clifton, Larson & Allen. There were no negative findings reported.
It was in public comment and Board member comments that there was some dissension. Tonya Hill, speaking about the solar panels near Catlin questioned why the Health Department was not appointed to the review panel as the ordinance recently passed seem to require their participation. She also questioned why the State’s Attorney would direct the County Board to simply vote ‘yes’, on wind and solar projects, asking if that was appropriate.
Other citizen comments opposed the 1400-acre solar project and asked who ultimately had jurisdiction over the permitting process.
Chris Clapp spoke and asked why the Animal Control Department was not kept up with proper HVAC and electrical services for the good of the animals and staff. He pointed out we have sufficient money to put new windows in the Administration building.
At the end of the meeting, Joe Echol, District 2, spoke and encouraged those who opposed wind and solar projects to work together. He also had concerns about such projects on farmland. He also questioned the process by which the former director of the Animal Shelter was let go and the interim director put in her place. He also questioned why if we paid an experienced director approximately $80,000, we were will to now pay up to $100,000 for a new director. He asked is the interview process would be open since the position is now posted.
Kevin Green of District 3 stated he was deeply disappointed by this fiasco at the Animal Shelter.
The Board did not respond to any of the comments, but Chair Steve Miller noted that the County was seeking a new health insurance program and was under a time pressure to get that finalized. He stated the search group had narrowed the selection tentatively down to Blue Cross Blue Sheild and asked the State’s Attorney to help determine the process to quickly close that agreement.
Miller also stated they were awaiting the architect’s final report on the options for the Animal Shelter or Animal Control Department.
Finally, he noted that a formal application for a wind project had been received concerning the Hoopeston-Rankin area and would be reviewed by the committee for wind and solar projects.