[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6249077,"mediaKeyId","3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162","parentId",3206872,"title","Des Moines County hears heated public comment on proposed Big River Wind Farm; residents urge ordinance changes or moratorium","audioSeconds",2331,"startMs",3304000,"endMs",5635000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162&start=3304&end=5635","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162/thumbnail_3304000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6249077/Des-Moines-County/Iowa/Des-Moines-County-hears-heated-public-comment-on-proposed-Big-River-Wind-Farm-residents-urge-ordinance-changes-or-moratorium","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249077-2e052b1c47e85454b8d72e4539333f70/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491364&Signature=kPGpqSSzEAjm1XGkSeVzfwFYV1SwKaloDmTGhnrNdcTcBDGbnKL7wClSeHmKP25MS0OUUv1Olp6odASpkEGMQoCzkp5uG9bl52z4cjXSdtu4ZeCvVe-KSkyet7m1arD0W0oEQcpSzVfcgvluwJf2knQiuKqj9~uFQBhFLfimafNUScfOr631U5gwuya-vU-rG~6C39rTZGA6haNeaC8DoYZhkkC537iIIa1EiNAi9dlVqsKUYnGNJn5z~KzTypQd~kGVyKGlewv4LvdFueYzEoccdYrk1wNtWl2REHRsfocSj1dkr8KgSOl8WKiB454w6h4FZn~AEXleMV3-e5hx7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Des Moines County, IA","date","2025-05-07T06:06:51.047Z","article","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on May 6, 2025 heard extended public comment on the proposed Big River Wind Farm, a project AES says would sit in northwest Des Moines County and involve voluntary leases with nearly 12,000 acres of private land.

AES project developer Evie told the board the project is “still in its early stages, and there's much work to be done developing it,” and provided preliminary financial and timing estimates: about $1,300,000 already invested in development, roughly $30,000,000 in development and planning costs, and a total build cost AES estimated at about $400,000,000 (Evie). AES gave early estimates that the project could generate about $2,600,000 in annual tax revenue to the county and roughly $80,000,000 over the project’s lifetime (Evie).

Why it matters: speakers said the project raises questions about land use, public safety, noise, migratory birds, agricultural land preservation and county rules for siting commercial wind energy. Many residents asked the board either to pause permitting while the ordinance is revised or to strengthen setback, sound, lightning-protection and decommissioning requirements.

During the public-input session, landowner and citizen commenters pressed for a moratorium and substantial ordinance changes. Melanie Patton, who said she helped draft a comprehensive wind ordinance in Henry County and is speaking for the Des Moines County Know Group, argued that “a moratorium gives the county the opportunity to look at the ordinance and make updates and do sessions like this” so supervisors have time to revise rules before applications arrive (Patton). Patton walked the board through the county comprehensive plan language and cited Iowa code provisions (transcript references: “Iowa code 3 35 5”), arguing county goals include preserving prime farmland and discouraging development on the most productive soils.

Patton and other speakers urged larger setbacks than Des Moines County’s current 1,800-foot distance from a nonparticipating occupied dwelling. Patton noted the county’s present standard for nonparticipating property lines is 1.1 times turbine height (which she calculated as about 715 feet for a 650-foot turbine) and urged reconsideration; she said some local commenters favor a 5,280-foot (one-mile) setback from nonparticipating property lines. She also recommended adding explicit sound standards, infrasound protections, lightning protection and fire-suppression requirements to the local ordinance. Patton cited a Nordex operations manual passage recommending workers withdraw 1 kilometer (3,280 feet) from turbines during certain storms and linked that to safety concerns for nearby residences (Patton).

Other residents raised concerns about county road impacts from heavy construction traffic, the presence of sensitive natural resources and the Mississippi River flyway for migratory birds. Commenters asked how emergency response and firefighting would be handled for tall turbines and expressed worry about long-term effects on wildlife and on the county’s agricultural land base; several speakers said they would like more evening meetings so more residents can attend.

Not all speakers opposed the project. Kenny Olsen, president of the Des Moines County Energy Districts and a representative of the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa, urged the board to consider economic benefits and existing Iowa experience with wind: “Wind works when it's done right,” Olsen said, and he cited statewide job and tax figures and offered to facilitate site visits to neighboring counties that host turbines (Olsen). Other proponents told the board the project offers lease payments to landowners and new property-tax revenue that could support local services.

Several speakers — including AES and outside commenters — urged the county to focus on ordinance updates rather than a protracted moratorium. Evie of AES said the company supports reopening the ordinance and working with the regional planning commission, and warned a moratorium could create uncertainty for landowners and businesses considering investment.

No formal permitting vote or moratorium was taken at the May 6 meeting. The session was a public work session and input opportunity; supervisors repeatedly stated they were collecting community concerns and would take the comments into consideration as they and regional planning staff evaluate potential ordinance changes.

Clarifying details recorded from public remarks and staff statements at the meeting:
- AES development-investment estimate: $1,300,000 (Evie).
- AES preliminary project costs: ~$30,000,000 development/planning; ~$400,000,000 build; total ~ $430,000,000 (Evie).
- AES preliminary tax estimate: ~$2,600,000 annually, ~ $80,000,000 over project life (Evie).
- Developer timetable given by AES: county permit expected mid‑2026, construction early 2028, operational by 2029 (Evie).
- Current Des Moines County setback cited in discussion: 1,800 feet from nonparticipating occupied dwelling; property-line setback at 1.1× turbine height per existing ordinance language (Patton).
- Public commenters requested additions to the ordinance including sound and infrasound standards, lightning protection and fire‑suppression systems, CSR (Corn Suitability Rating) screening for prime farmland, and larger setbacks (Melanie Patton and others).

Quotes (verbatim):
- Evie, project developer, AES: “This project is still in its early stages, and there's much work to be done developing it.”
- Melanie Patton, Des Moines County Know Group: “So a moratorium gives the county the opportunity to look at the ordinance and make updates and do sessions like this.”
- Kenny Olsen, Des Moines County Energy Districts: “Wind works when it's done right.”

Ending: The board held the comments as part of a scheduled work session; no ordinance change or moratorium was adopted at the meeting. Supervisors said they heard the public input and will consider it as they and county planning staff evaluate whether and how to amend the county wind-energy ordinance and next procedural steps.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Des Moines County Board Meeting 05/06/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on May 6, 2025 heard extended public comment on the proposed Big River Wind Farm, a project AES says would sit in northwest Des Moines County and involve voluntary leases with nearly 12,000 acres of private land.","taxTitle","Des Moines County, Iowa","taxId",68487,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6249067,"Supervisors approve updated Des Moines County courthouse security plan after annual review",69,476000,545000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162&start=476&end=545","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162/thumbnail_476000.jpg","/articles/6249067/Des-Moines-County/Iowa/Supervisors-approve-updated-Des-Moines-County-courthouse-security-plan-after-annual-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249067-f8bce62a59ed23fdb71c188006dd1f98/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491364&Signature=MoXIVdrfMd72QB6t8eUYO0Dp8IVhadeqDT6870CMeybT9qgyIF95kx-eANDIvEiCNoW6g6uUlG841ouVcq8kZnadjNfeh-WNoabSXC9SKIO~sYjJ1tUSoA~cl6EV13o-c2Xw4QENp5kzYXK-MFVCFnQhW4EcK~I4bkO2F3Q5vZEs4aZ3D-NTKlAHoKPB6Qpu3cc100Nfad64cRUAk9BccSNRauh~PdjkaBHt~15OtGM71aHfJjtO8ylBYq33PRpAQTiTCDFS9W5TosOTuBpTHTYb0~g53UVPM1P1b~-ljuaCtRXVb-WdfiEEDtpfjrfXOKUMMOA0VhcJOJVb8xh~rQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors voted May 6, 2025 to approve the county’s courthouse public building security plan following an annual committee review.

A staff presenter told the board the plan (dated in presentation as “02/2015” and described as a uniform guideline) was developed with guidance from the Iowa Association of Counties and the Iowa Judicial Council. The presenter said the county has maintained a policy since about 2016 and convenes the committee annually to review needed updates; this year the committee recommended only minor membership and procedural changes.

Because the document contains security‑sensitive material, staff said it is not posted as a public document in full. The committee recommended approval of the uniform plan with minor changes; the board moved and approved the plan during the meeting.

Ending: The board approved the courthouse public building security plan; staff indicated they will continue yearly reviews and will report any substantive proposed changes to the board as needed.","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved the county courthouse public building security plan during the May 6 meeting. County staff said the plan is based on guidance from the Iowa Association of Counties and the Iowa Judicial Council and undergoes an annual review; only minor committee changes were recommended this year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6249072,"Supervisors approve final plat for Fenton Lexus one‑lot subdivision; CRP and septic conditions noted",965,3411000,4376000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162&start=3411&end=4376","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3206872-325d7c410b88f5047aa6b1d24b68d162/thumbnail_3411000.jpg","/articles/6249072/Des-Moines-County/Iowa/Supervisors-approve-final-plat-for-Fenton-Lexus-onelot-subdivision-CRP-and-septic-conditions-noted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6249072-4543ab4701129a2d3ebad0ce3a612e74/orig.mp4?Expires=1770491364&Signature=ic2E61O8KfGBHcDVb-GD6tgOxe72Z64CCMG56d4AxwI6TbIR55Yfzjf8ylYrbY4mEDOsP6NiWzyuWcP39PsOim-5X2dDmMGhUUx8I3HlEZ5i3frRjwrZJOrWSiUGdBYIhoHr8YcQqs6VYIVzmnAlanQ6RQ7UcMbLt9h5VjzFU-i8JwRQSF8Lqq7gcbzrB~nWDBWBidxHC93UqE5BvZmMZTStCv0CWFxITERdYHUrvI5ROCOx6LiOptzv3l0mz1vHYXKm3Ig0PJ5NXIKXHRrYmr0DndSE0J8p1J18yODyvRV0xIWw3lARaft8pm0rgQKEM4juqsapyp4T0M53sA0lnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors on May 6, 2025 approved Resolution 2025‑24, the final plat for the one‑lot Fenton Lexus minor subdivision.

County planning staff explained the proposal is a roughly 2.5‑acre lot split from a family trust northeast of Minneapolis (Des Moines County). Staff said the parcel includes a wooded area behind the road with farmland in front and that the split leaves the farmland in the trust while the new lot is intended for a single-family house. Staff noted the lot has a 33‑foot centerline entrance that widens toward the right‑of‑way.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff flagged a Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) easement covering part of the parcel; planning staff said the subdivider has been informed that any building within the easement area will require an amendment or removal of that portion of the CRP agreement through NRCS before construction can proceed. Planning staff also noted standard health‑department language requiring a septic permit and installation prior to occupancy for any home built on the lot.

The board moved to approve the resolution. County staff said standard conditions were added to document the CRP status and to require septic permitting through the health department prior to construction.

Ending: The final plat was approved at the May 6 meeting and planning staff will complete the necessary signatures and documentation for recording; the subdivider is responsible for any CRP amendment and for meeting health‑department septic requirements before construction begins.","The Des Moines County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2025-24, the final plat for a one‑lot minor subdivision identified as Fenton Lexus. County staff flagged a CRP conservation easement on part of the property and repeated standard conditions requiring septic permits before construction.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Des Moines County hears heated public comment on proposed Big River Wind Farm; residents urge ordinance changes or moratorium

Supervisors approve updated Des Moines County courthouse security plan after annual review

Supervisors approve final plat for Fenton Lexus one‑lot subdivision; CRP and septic conditions noted