Request Made For Solar Moratorium In Kirkland

Town of Kirkland Board members heard a request for a moratorium on commercial solar projects last week.

Town resident Stuart Culver spoke at the meeting, saying such a move does not mean the town is anti-solar, but interested in solar done right.

This is Culver’s second request to the Board for a moratorium. He made one in October to the Town Board, who referred it to the Planning Board, where Culver said it went nowhere.

Culver pointed out some changes that should be made to the Town’s current solar regulations, including:

*Increasing the required amount for the decommissioning bond to fully cover the costs;

*Increase the setback from private properties to more than 50 feet;

*Look at the Town’s big picture, since two projects are operating and two are in the works;

*Add the cost to the companies for fire training for local department’

*Set time limits between issuing a permit and having the project become operational.

Councilmember Tami Seaman asked the Board to discuss a request submitted to have Board meetings covered by Zoom for those who cannot attend in person, and to move to a time later than the current 5 p.m. start.

Seaman said more people could attend the meetings if they were later in the evening.

Town Supervisor Garry Colarusso said the Board could discuss going to 5:30 or 5:45 p.m., but pointed out that night’s meeting had 15 to 20 residents in attendance.

He said they can also see about having the meetings available on Zoom.

Board members voted 4-1 to hire David Barone as a full- time officer with the Kirkland Police Department.

Seaman, who voted no, said she thought the starting salary of $56,000 was too high.

Colarusso and Kirkland Police Administrative Officer Shawn Occhipinti said Kirkland has to offer a competitive salary to bring in...