Wind Power

[Kirk Allen]

We have 4 different wind power generation operations with test towers in our township and looks like they are finalizing contracts with land owners for putting up 85 meter wind mills. 

I met with the CEO of one of the companies and they are wanting to put two towers on our property. Lots of major issues to cover but if anyone has any input its appreciated. 

The pisser of this deal is that the carbon credits they are going to sell to the coal plants for a profit are not part of the revenue sharing percentage that is paid to the landowners. 

[Frank Pender - AKA "Tail Gunner"]

With that last sentence I would require a higher amount per month, based on a cost of living increase each year.  Make sure they have insurance, etc. during instalation and for the duration of the agreement between you and they.

[Carl Middleton]

Dont forget property taxes on that section of land

[Kirk Allen]

The contract outlines that they are responsible for any and all property tax increases from its presence.  They are offering a measly 3,4, and 5% revenue share based on megawatts sold on a 1-10, 11-15, and 16-20 year contract and an "estimation" that it would be 6-9K per tower, per year.  Estimates are not good enough! 

Lost of stuff has to be modifed but the headaches this brings to me as township supervisor is enough to squirt blood out my eye sockets. 

I have to establish a wind farm ordinance that basically protects our infastructure from cradle to grave of the operatoin.  Destroyed roads putting them in, crushed tiles from equipment, hazards to farmers needing to fix drain tiles (underground power lines) etc, etc. 

Going to be real interesting.

[Stevem]

Two of the challanges of wind farms that I'm aware of is bird kill and noise.  Birds just can't seem to see them.

"an 'estimation' that it would be 6-9K per tower, per year" is that dollars or watts?

[Carl Middleton]

Be ware No telling what Obama has up his sleave  After the towers are up and running He might decide to take over the companies And then take the land from the land owners claiming for the better of the state I would be careful

[mike p]

i heard some grumbling about wind currents changing in kansas were these are alllready in use due to the turbines
not sure what effect this would have on enviroment but need to consider

[Kirk Allen]

$6-9K in dollars. 

Lots of issues to worry about.  Utilitie companies seem to dominate in the eminate domain catagory so contracts will have to outline that issue but how do you stop the Obama train from taking everything we own?

[Mr Mom]

i woulds make sure they outline EVERTHING in black and white.
Make sure they take all responceablity(sp) for everthing.
watch your step and get a lawyer to help you.
The money looks good.Tell them you will do it for 10Gs
Thanks Alot Mr Mom

[Kirk Allen]

It will prove interesting on the contract negotiations as there are several land owners involved and some have already jumped on with a fraction of what I think they could have gotten.  Bad for them, but at the same time it tends to set a presedence for future landowners.