Area News Briefs

HAMMOND - Dan Murdie, a representative of Iberdrola Renewables, the wind company proposing a wind turbine farm for Hammond, Morristown and Oswegatchie, will make a presentation to the Hammond Town Board tonight.

Hammond Town Supervisor Ron W. Bertram says he does not know exactly what Mr. Murdie will be presenting.

"He (Mr. Murdie) was kind of non-committal as to exactly what his presentation would entail," he said. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.

"Iberdrola had contacted me in December and expressed an interest in coming to a meeting to talk," Mr. Bertram said. "In December, I wasn't in office and didn't entertain the idea of bringing it before the board.

"In January," the supervisor said, "There were too many issues and things to deal with. They've asked for 15 to 20 minutes of our time, and hopefully, there will be time for the board to ask questions."

Mr. Bertram says the public will not have the same opportunity at Monday's meeting, but that a more public platform is in the works.

"Not at this board meeting," he said, when asked if the public would get it's chance, "But they (Iberdrola) have agreed to that type of environment. I want to make everyone aware that I will facilitate a public forum."

Wind power discussion will continue at the meeting, Mr. Bertram says.

"The full board will discuss the wind law," he said. "The six-month moratorium was passed in order for this board to take a close look at the wind law. We will develop a plan to accomplish this. We will take the appropriate steps in determining what is next."

Other business includes interviews and the appointment of one member to the town's Planning Board. Three candidates, according to Mr. Bertram - Robert Rush, Marcia Thompson, and Chris McRoberts - will interview for the position during the board meeting at 8 p.m.

The board will also appoint a committee to update the town Ethics Law, which Mr. Bertram says is extremely out of date. "We've advertised to see who is interested," he said, "And I anticipate appointing that committee."