By JONATHAN SNYDER
Until new ordinance standards are adopted relating to solar, any major solar farms will be prohibited within the town of Markle.
The moratorium, passed Thursday by the Markle Town Council, still allows for individual solar panels but prevents any collective person or group from producing more than a combined 20 kilowatts of energy through solar panels.
Council members Nicolas Lund and Matthew Doss both felt that the upcoming re-evaluations of Huntington County’s zoning ordinance created the need to put a temporary stop to solar farms. Doss stated that 20 kilowatts approximately powers a 2,400 square-foot home — the average for the Markle area.
While Doss was pleased by a Huntington panel and attorney working on re-evaluating the ordinance process for solar, he warned that ordinances with no described timeframe could essentially become permanent if no action is taken. Lund stated that the new standards should include clear language so landowners and neighboring properties have an appropriate voice in solar-related discussions.
“The way I understand the current process right now, the moratorium is not permanent,” Doss said. “At least for the town residents … what are the possibilities that a solar energy system would actually come into play in Markle, probably not much.”
“This vote isn’t asking us to decide, ‘Are we in favor of the energy source of solar versus not solar,’” Lund said. “What it is asking us to decide is, ‘Do we need to evaluate the zoning ordinance that has been already adopted, and are there any changes that are needed?’ To be able to do so we need to pass this moratorium.”
The council also approved a recommendation from the Markle Plan Commission to consolidate their zoning ordinance and subdivision control ordinance into one document. This document is called a Unified Development Ordinance and will seek to make land use regulations more efficient.
Also during the meeting, a rate adjustment for Markle residents’ water bills was discussed by the town council and Baker Tilly manager Tyler Coffel. Coffel’s presentation showed that future operating expenses for water will cost the town about $315,000 for next year — an increase from about $300,000 a year ago. This would mean that Markle’s standard $26 rate for a 5,000-gallon water bill, established in 2019, would rise to approximately $33.83 per month. The council clarified that the rates will likely be eased over two years, similar to their increase in 2019.
Coffel reported that calculations for inflation before the rate study was started had Markle’s estimated increase at $33.08 per month. Coffel added that the water department is running at an approximately $79,000 annual deficit. While the council took no official action, Clerk-Treasurer Stephenie Hensley stated that a vote on the increase would occur next month.
The council also approved $6,000 out of the town’s rainy day fund to help Master’s Pantry cover their current losses, so they can keep the books balanced until the end of the year. Master’s Pantry volunteer Mark Wolf stated that the pantry, which provides meals for approximately 85 families with no eligibility requirements, is currently at a $1,500 monthly deficit. Wolf stated that increasing food costs and current donation levels are not sustainable for the pantry. While the pantry is hosting a golf outing fundraiser on Oct. 6 and is trying to meet with local businesses to ask for support, Wolf asked the council for their aid.
Lund urged Master’s Pantry to continue looking for support from local businesses. The council acknowledged that the pantry is an incredible asset for the town, and wants to see them succeed.
“I also don’t want this to be a band-aid that gets ripped off in December,” Lund said. “I would challenge you (Wolf) to come to our Chamber of Commerce and get in front of the local businesses … I don’t want to see you come back here at next August’s meeting and say ‘We’re short $6,000 again.’ I want this to be a community-involved thing, but at the same time I don’t want us to be the reason you don’t make it to Christmas.”
Additionally, Operations Manager Mike Grant stated that the town hopes to start putting a water main on Sparks Street in the next few weeks. Lee Street will also get a water main in this project, but with winter weather coming soon, Grant thought it best to wait on the Lee Street main until spring of next year.
Grant also noted that potential grant funds could address wastewater concerns in the northwest corner of town. Grant is working with the Office of Community Rural Affairs to secure funding to address those concerns, but noted that a $400 rate study is needed to see if the area meets income status requirements for the additional funds. A new tap kit is also needed for Markle’s water, with their current kit being about 50 years old.
Hensley also advised that the Carriage House will move to full-day rentals only, at a $150 per day cost.
jonathan@news-banner.com
