Update: 12.17- Though only given 4 meetings to discuss possible amendments to the ZTA, the work group will continue to meet. In the absence of the County's infrastructure to host this virtual meeting and make it open to the public, MCA has stepped up to do so. Please plan to join us on Tuesday Dec. 29th at 6:30pm for the next work group zoom.
Update: This week is the last scheduled work group session on this ZTA. We are endeavoring, as Ag Reserve architect Royce Hanson has said "Do no Harm" by the Ag Reserve by making sure solar is properly sited in Montgomery County in a way that protects forests, productive soils and water quality. Read on about how to join this zoom session.
The public can attend the workgroup sessions on Zoom.
The sessions are:
December 2, 6:30-8:30pm
December 10, 6:30-8:30pm
December 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Members of the public can log in and watch the workgroup sessions and comment in the chat but must RSVP by email to Carmen Kaarid (Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov) of Council President Katz’s office to get the link.
All the documents for the workgroup including the recording of the first workgroup session can be found right here. See all previous sessions here.
Update: This week is the last scheduled work group session on this ZTA. We are endeavoring, as Ag Reserve architect Royce Hanson has said "Do no Harm" by the Ag Reserve by making sure solar is properly sited in Montgomery County in a way that protects forests, productive soils and water quality. Read on about how to join this zoom session.
The public can attend the workgroup sessions on Zoom.
The sessions are:
December 2, 6:30-8:30pm
December 10, 6:30-8:30pm
December 16, 6:30-8:30pm
Members of the public can log in and watch the workgroup sessions and comment in the chat but must RSVP by email to Carmen Kaarid (Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov) of Council President Katz’s office to get the link.
All the documents for the workgroup including the recording of the first workgroup session can be found right here. See all previous sessions here.
ZTA 20-01 would allow 3 square miles of commercial solar in the Ag Reserve with scant protections for productive soils, water quality, forests or habitat. There are deep concerns about this provision - the Ag community is unanimous against it and a wide coalition of civic organizations and residents both up and down county have made their concerns known (much more here). The council had decided in October to gather more stakeholder input, along with the "town hall" that took place virtually on 11/5, a working group is being convened to discuss possible changes to this provision.
We are dedicated to getting solar right in Montgomery County and will be digging in to our role on this working group.
However, the make up of the group, seen below, could be improved by adding a representative of a Community Solar company that sells directly to consumers and moreover by adding representation of different types of farming (table crops, livestock, orchards, etc).
As it says below, there are opportunities for the public to weigh in during this working group process between now and January. Please read on to see how you can continue to submit your concerns, and please stay tuned!
We are dedicated to getting solar right in Montgomery County and will be digging in to our role on this working group.
However, the make up of the group, seen below, could be improved by adding a representative of a Community Solar company that sells directly to consumers and moreover by adding representation of different types of farming (table crops, livestock, orchards, etc).
As it says below, there are opportunities for the public to weigh in during this working group process between now and January. Please read on to see how you can continue to submit your concerns, and please stay tuned!
Farm Solar Stakeholder Workgroup
Task/Scope
Discuss any amendments to ZTA 20-01 and identify whether there are amendments that are agreeable to all participants; produce a memorandum or report by January 1, 2021 summarizing deliberations.
Membership
Agriculture
Randy Stabler ( Ag Reserve Commodity Producer)
Doug Lechlider (Ag Reserve Commodity Producer)
Preservation
Caroline Taylor (MCA's Executive Director)
Lauren Greenberger (Sugarloaf Citizens Association)
Environment
Doug Boucher (Solar Advocate)
Al Bartlett ( Montgomery County Sierra Club (in favor of the ZTA))
Industry
Leslie Elder (Coalition for Community Solar Access)
Frances Yuhas (Project Development at TurningPoint Energy)
Leadership
Workgroup members will elect two co-chairs to form agendas and lead the meetings. Council staff will assist the workgroup.
Meeting Schedule
All meetings will be held virtually (Zoom). Members of the public are welcome to attend and listen, but will be asked to RSVP by email to Carmen Kaarid (Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov) of Council President Katz’s office.
November 17, 6:30-8:30pm
December 2, 6:30-8:30pm
December 10, 6:30-8:30pm
December 16, 6:30-8:30pm (if necessary)
Documents for Deliberations
Stakeholder workgroup documents will be posted to a Google Drive folder accessible to the public. Visit the Stakeholder Workgroup Google Drive >>
Public Comments
Members of the public are encouraged to provide recommended amendments and any supporting analysis for the workgroup to review by emailing County Council staff member Jeffrey Zyontz at Jeffrey.Zyontz@montgomerycountymd.gov. Comments received by Mr. Zyontz will also be shared with the Joint Committee in the background memorandum for the meeting.
Staff Contacts
County Council staff: Jeffrey Zyontz, Jeffrey.Zyontz@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Riemer’s office: Tommy Heyboer, tommy.heyboer@montgomerycountymd.gov
Council President Katz’s office: Laurie Edberg, Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov
Council President Katz’s office (for scheduling issues): Carmen Kaarid, Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov
Task/Scope
Discuss any amendments to ZTA 20-01 and identify whether there are amendments that are agreeable to all participants; produce a memorandum or report by January 1, 2021 summarizing deliberations.
Membership
Agriculture
Randy Stabler ( Ag Reserve Commodity Producer)
Doug Lechlider (Ag Reserve Commodity Producer)
Preservation
Caroline Taylor (MCA's Executive Director)
Lauren Greenberger (Sugarloaf Citizens Association)
Environment
Doug Boucher (Solar Advocate)
Al Bartlett ( Montgomery County Sierra Club (in favor of the ZTA))
Industry
Leslie Elder (Coalition for Community Solar Access)
Frances Yuhas (Project Development at TurningPoint Energy)
Leadership
Workgroup members will elect two co-chairs to form agendas and lead the meetings. Council staff will assist the workgroup.
Meeting Schedule
All meetings will be held virtually (Zoom). Members of the public are welcome to attend and listen, but will be asked to RSVP by email to Carmen Kaarid (Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov) of Council President Katz’s office.
November 17, 6:30-8:30pm
December 2, 6:30-8:30pm
December 10, 6:30-8:30pm
December 16, 6:30-8:30pm (if necessary)
Documents for Deliberations
Stakeholder workgroup documents will be posted to a Google Drive folder accessible to the public. Visit the Stakeholder Workgroup Google Drive >>
Public Comments
Members of the public are encouraged to provide recommended amendments and any supporting analysis for the workgroup to review by emailing County Council staff member Jeffrey Zyontz at Jeffrey.Zyontz@montgomerycountymd.gov. Comments received by Mr. Zyontz will also be shared with the Joint Committee in the background memorandum for the meeting.
Staff Contacts
County Council staff: Jeffrey Zyontz, Jeffrey.Zyontz@montgomerycountymd.gov
Councilmember Riemer’s office: Tommy Heyboer, tommy.heyboer@montgomerycountymd.gov
Council President Katz’s office: Laurie Edberg, Laurie.Edberg@montgomerycountymd.gov
Council President Katz’s office (for scheduling issues): Carmen Kaarid, Carmen.Kaarid@montgomerycountymd.gov
