ERIE — Neosho County commissioners on Tuesday continued the discussion of the noise at the Neosho Ridge Wind farm during a recent ice storm, which drew concerns from residents.
Commissioner Gail Klaassen brought up the issue earlier this month. She said the ice on the turbines created a lot of noise that continued until the ice melted.
County Counselor Bret Heim said how to measure the sound is still being worked out. The question is what device would be used to measure it that all parties would agree to and where the reading would be taken.
“Those two things have a huge impact on what that noise reading is going to be,” Heim told commissioners.
Heim said he heard the turbines for the first time during the ice storm as the ice would build up on the tower and fall off.
He added that the turbines may make more noise as they age.
Commissioner Paul Westhoff said residents told him they hear the turbine noise inside their homes.
Commissioners said they would continue to work toward a resolution.
In other matters, the commission: — Discussed with maintenance director Dave Burnett about moving offices around the courthouse to improve accessibility and efficiency. The elevator in the courthouse will be down about six weeks while repairs are made and currently the health department is in the basement of the courthouse and Klaassen was concerned about sending mothers with young children down the stairs once a month for WIC. The department will be moved upstairs. Other offices will be moved as well.
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Surplus office furniture, some of which is stored in the courthouse and others in a storage shed, was also discussed and the possibility to sell or scrap the items. Getting rid of some of this around the courthouse will also open up more space for employees. Commissioners wanted to know what needed to be moved so maintenance wouldn’t have to move the furniture and other items multiple times. Some of the filing cabinets and other furniture may be sold on Facebook Marketplace.
— Discussed options for the district coroner position. Commissioners are trying to fill the position as the former coroner didn’t live in the state, which is required by law, Klaassen told commissioners. The issue will be discussed again in the future in addition to sharing the cost with the other three counties (Wilson, Woodson, Allen) in the 31st Judicial District.
