Proposed solar ordinance on display in Forest County

Forest County commissioners agreed at their meeting Wednesday to put a proposed solar ordinance on display.

The ordinance would provide regulations for non- residential solar energy systems in the county, including provisions for cleaning up a solar installation after it has run its course and is no longer in use.

Commissioner Bob Snyder said the ordinance is modeled off a solar ordinance in Clarion County.

The proposed ordinance will be put on display for public comment beginning Feb. 8 and continuing through March 15 when the commissioners will vote on whether to approve the ordinance.

In other business at Wednesday’s commissioners meeting, chief clerk Lynette Greathouse said county elections director Jean Ann Hitchcock is preparing petition packets for individuals running for office this year.

Greathouse also said Hitchcock had mailed out more than 600 mail-in and absentee ballot applications as of Jan. 20.

The first day to circulate petitions is Feb. 14, and the last day to circulate and file petitions is March 7.

The county approved a resolution designating the Redevelopment Authority of Clarion County to apply for a Whole Home Repairs Grant of $200,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Commissioners chairman Mark Kingston said the grant is new, and even though the county must apply for the grant, it isn’t a competitive grant so the money has already been allocated to the county.

The grant is to be used “to address habitability and safety concerns, provide measures to improve energy or water efficiency and make units accessible for individuals with disabilities,” according to the meeting agenda.

Commissioners also approved Tionesta Borough’s request to purchase a repository property at 214 Elm St. in Tionesta for $100.

The borough will cover costs of transferring ownership of the property.

Snyder said the old store building with apartments above the property has been vacant for years and is condemned.

Snyder also noted the broadband poles at Gilfoyle Road and Dead Horse Hollow will be going live next week.