01/06/2026
Supervisors Get Earful At Wind Turbine Hearing
By Laurie Cochran
A large crowd forced Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting to be moved to the third-floor courtroom for the public hearing on the proposed wind and solar ordinance. The courtroom has a capacity of 150 people, and several attendees were left standing at the back of the room.
While there were people who spoke out in favor of the AES wind turbine project, saying it would bring additional tax dollars to the county, provide jobs, and benefit the local economy, the majority of those who addressed the board voiced their concerns about safety, conservation, and the loss of prime farm ground.
In an earlier statement, AES Associate Developer Evie Sorrel said that AES supports regulations that establishes a clear, fair, and achievable framework that allows for the safe, responsible, and reliable investment in the community.
“As currently drafted, the ordinance is significantly more stringent than typical industry standards for wind development,” Sorrel stated. “While this ordinance is more restrictive for the project, we remain committed to advancing Big River Wind, working corroboratively with the county, and appreciate their focus on safety, landowner interests, community priorities, and practical development.”
John Oberly of rural New London is in favor of the wind turbine project, saying he purchased his property as an investment, and signed a contract with AES.
“I’m not responsible for my neighbor’s views,” Oberly said, referring to those who have criticized how the wind turbines will affect the county landscape. While no official statement has been released by AES regarding how many wind turbines will be built in the county, estimates range from 25 to 40, with FAA approval of up to 80.
“Wind turbines will just be part of the landscape,” said another proponent.
“Our local economy will benefit,” said Martha Wolfe, “It’s time to approve the ordinance.”
Brian Messer has leased his land to AES, and said setbacks are too large and the Board should just pass the ordinance and move forward.
“You’re forcing liability on us and playing Russian roulette with our land”, argued Diane Roelfs. “If you’re not serving Des Moines County residents, who are you supporting?”
“The wind companies are full of promises,” said Wendy Wurtzel.
“This is a life altering project, we’ve tried to compromise, but your opinion of property rights are not consistent. We won’t go away.”
Lori McCreight pointed out that this project will affect the county for generations to come, comparing it to 65 story buildings that are a mere 2 football fields away from private property.
Kenny Oleson, a sustainability and efficiency expert, who lives in Burlington, said a 3,280-foot safety setback doesn’t change safety outcomes, just who can participate. He went on to say there are no documented deaths or serious injuries due to wind turbines.
Ron Helling, who serves on the Conservation Board, said death of endangered species, such as bats, trumpeter swans, and bald eagles will occur at unprecedented levels. He advised the Board to consider setbacks similar to those imposed in Henry County.
Mediapolis resident Monica Samples told the board that property rights cannot infringe on others’ property rights.
“I can’t have one chicken because the city of Mediapolis believes that is infringing on my neighbors’ rights, but wind turbines are okay?”
David Cochran of West Burlington admonished the Board for ignoring the Conservation Board’s recommendations after the supervisors requested them. He also asked if secondary spill containment system will be required, as oil leaks would contaminate crops, groundwater, and streams. Cochran added that attendance at Big Hollow would decrease, as people go there to experience nature, not be in the middle of a commercial wind farm.
Doug Barkus of Mount Union told the Board they have fallen for love of money, and quoted several Bible verses. “You can’t serve God and serve money.”
Lori Andrews of Yarmouth admonished the Board, saying two of the three Board members don’t want to listen to residents, and said they have ridiculed those who are opposed.
Several people spoke out regarding the two-step permitting process, which was included in the ordinance against the advice of Assistant County Attorney Trent Henkelvig.
“The two step permitting process is a gray area, too many things can change,” said Don Roelfs.
Local Attorney Kyler Massner said the ordinance is far from ready, and said the two step permitting process opens up the county to lawsuits. He added that the pending litigation could impact the Board’s decisions.
Many called for a special election to let the county residents decide if commercial wind farms should be allowed in the county.
Tim Fischer said it’s wrong to have three people making this decision, and agreed there should be a special election.
Following the public hearing, the Board voted 2 to 1 to pass the first reading of the ordinance. Tom Broeker and Jim Cary voted to pass the first reading, and Chairman Shane McCambell voted against it.
Many county residents have asked the Board to impose a moratorium, to see how the Iowa Supreme Court rules on Worthwhile Wind LLC vs Worth County, and that decision could set a precedent concerning vested rights.
Rose Fischer (in picture), of rural Yarmouth, formally requested the moratorium be extended. Fischer said Broeker has done a disservice to the county, and said the process has been nothing more than the “Tom Broeker show”. She stated that the advice of the Assistant County Attorney was ignored, and Broeker worked exclusively with an outside attorney without sharing information with the other two supervisors in a timely manner, as well as working directly with Southeast Iowa Regional Planning on changes before sharing that information with other Board members.
“When it’s time to vote,” Fischer said, addressing McCampbell and Cary, “I hope you turn off the “Tom Broeker show” and vote no, because this ordinance is not ready.”
Alison Mohr had pointed out that the Board has received over 1,000 emails regarding concerns about the wind turbines.
“This Board is on puppet strings, it’s shameful,” Mohr stated. “Vote no and extend the moratorium.”
The Board voted 2 to 1 against extending the current moratorium, which expires at the end of the month. McCampbell was the dissenting vote.
