Woodstock reviews wind ordinance

WOODSTOCK — The Ad Hoc Wind Power Committee presented its final proposed ordinance to the board of selectmen September 18.

The proposal was well-received and the committee will meet with the planning board to make sure all language in the proposed ordinance compares with other local ordinances.

The final draft will be complete by the next selectmen meeting.

The 12-page ordinance is "based on other ordinances and our own experiences," said Chairman Bob Elliot.

Most of the complaints reported to the committee were noise issues.

The ordinance would have a 1.25-mile setback requirement with a noise level of 35 decibels during the day and 45 at night, stricter than the state requirements. The town Code Enforcement Officer would be the person to contact in the event of noise complaints. Any complaint must be in writing.

"Any company that follows this [ordinance] shouldn't have any problems," Elliot noted.

A fireworks petition was also submitted last week – there have been complaints of inappropriate use of fireworks in several areas of town, selectmen said. 

Selectmen agreed to look at other options. Fireworks cannot be sold in Woodstock, but there is no one who will enforce state laws controlling when and where they are used, said selectmen. 

A public hearing was scheduled for  October 16 to address proposed opening of Billings Hill Road to winter maintenance.

Bruce Manzer, who won the contract, has yet to start roadwork in Woodstock. Under state law, reclaiming and paving must be stopped by October 15. Maxfield said he will contact the next lowest bidder some time this week.