Pulaski County authorizes monitor to send violations for solar project road-use and safety problems

Pulaski County commissioners voted to authorize a compliance contractor to draft and issue enforcement letters, violations and stop‑work notices tied to road‑use and safety problems arising from multiple solar projects in the county.

The decision came after a lengthy presentation and discussion about hauling activity, missing or damaged signage, alleged stop‑sign violations by construction trucks, dust‑spraying aircraft and the need for consistent maintenance standards on county roads used by developers.

The compliance firm presenting the report (referred to in the meeting as both "BS" and "Versus") told commissioners it would create a standard log of road repairs and maintenance needs and recommended a written protocol for quickly issuing violation notices. The firm described repeated instances of missing or knocked‑over signage and cited at least two projects for failing to use flaggers or traffic controls required by road‑use agreements and the "Indiana Manual of Control Devices" (as named in the meeting). The presenter also said residents have reported moving violations and speed infractions by large trucks and that the firm cannot itself ticket drivers.

Commissioners discussed delegation of authority to approve enforcement letters, noting earlier work on a December delegation and caution about ensuring a county‑authorized signer. Participants urged a quick process so enforcement can follow without undue delay; one county official suggested notification by the compliance firm with an opportunity for commissioners to object within 24 hours.

Commissioner discussion also covered public‑safety measures: requests that county deputies accompany compliance staff on contentious on‑site meetings, possible temporary police patrols at high‑risk intersections during heavy hauling, and whether an emergency ordinance or special meeting could accelerate stop‑sign amendments. The transcript records reports of low‑flying aircraft used for preconstruction spraying (“dust croppers”), which meeting participants said can affect cattle, and repeated requests that contractors not fly low outside of active application zones.

Speakers identified contractors and subcontractors involved in fieldwork, including Mammoth (referred to as Mammoth Dorel), Mayapple, Town and Country, Fox Construction, PCL and ECL. County staff said they would compile and post maps and agreement documents online and develop repair metrics so the county can judge whether repairs meet standards.

On the motion brought after the discussion, commissioners authorized the compliance firm to draft enforcement letters and, after notifying the commissioners, to issue violations or stop‑work notices 24 hours after that notification. The motion was moved and seconded and adopted by voice vote.

The county also discussed next steps for stop‑sign ordinances and whether an emergency procedure could be used to speed changes at intersections cited by residents. Commissioners asked county counsel to advise on options and timelines and said they would consider a special meeting if a faster remedy proved necessary.

Quotes

"We can't stop a driver or ticket a driver or, you know, play the part of the police," said a representative for the compliance firm, describing why the firm reports violations to the sheriff rather than enforcing moving violations directly.

"They're the only exempt aircraft allowed to fly under a thousand feet," said a meeting speaker relaying a pilot's comment about low‑flying aircraft used for spraying.

Ending

Commissioners asked county staff and counsel to return with clear procedures and any ordinance language needed to speed traffic‑safety responses. The compliance firm said it would begin logging road repairs, notify commissioners about draft violations, and proceed to issue enforcement letters if commissioners did not object within 24 hours.