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Clarkson Valley aldermen approve 120-day moratorium on new solar applications after tie-breaking mayoral vote
Summary
The Board of Aldermen approved Bill No. 0581, imposing up to a 120-day pause on acceptance and review of solar energy system applications while city staff review policies and standards. The measure passed when Mayor Sue McNamara broke a 3–3 tie.
The Clarkson Valley Board of Aldermen on Dec. 2 voted to impose a temporary moratorium of up to 120 days on the acceptance and review of solar energy system applications.
The moratorium, approved as Bill No. 0581, was adopted after a 3–3 roll-call split among aldermen. Aldermen Courtney Birkel, Lin Midyett and Tracy Nuelle voted in favor; Jeff Schweig, Andrew Low and Brock MacDonald voted no. Mayor Sue McNamara broke the tie by voting yes, and she declared the ordinance passed.
City Administrator and City Clerk Megan Eldridge read the ordinance aloud during the meeting. City Attorney Patrick Butler noted that any solar applications filed before the ordinance’s passage would not be subject to the moratorium.
Residents had raised concerns about solar applications earlier in the meeting. Frances Babb, a Clarkson Valley resident, told the board she was concerned about a pending solar-panel application at 2254 Valley Road and said architectural review for solar installations needed attention. "There are more solar panels being installed in Clarkson Valley," Babb said during public comment.
Supporters of the moratorium told the board they wanted time to review city standards and look at other municipal codes before accepting new applications; opponents argued the pause was unnecessary. The ordinance text directs staff to study and review policies, regulations and standards pertaining to solar energy systems; it can remain in effect for up to 120 days while that work proceeds.
The moratorium takes effect immediately and excludes any applications filed prior to the ordinance’s passage. The board did not set a firm date for when staff must return with recommendations.
