Rules for Galloo Island PILOT hearing

Just as a reminder, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency reaffirmed its rules for public hearings at its meeting Thursday morning.

The board did this expecting a large and possibly boisterous crowd at the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes hearing for Galloo Island Wind Farm. That hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Hounsfield Town Barn, 18774 County Route 66.

Those wishing to speak will be allowed:

• One, five-minute turn

• Only comments directed at the hearing officer

• Only comments that aren’t repetitive

• Only comments that pertain to the PILOT

• No dialogue or question-and-answer

• No yielding time or the floor

• All speakers will need to sign in. JCIDA will also accept written comments, which will be included in the minutes.

“Some of these rules will be construed as oppressive,” Chairman Urban C. Hirschey said.

Treasurer Michelle D. Pfaff said, “It’s what we’ve always done.”

The rules are consistent with state guidelines and those generally used by municipalities.