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Augusta Council to discuss tax deal, windmills

By Keith Edwards Kennebec Journal Staff Writer August 24, 2008 04:16 PM

AUGUSTA - City councilors meet Monday to discuss regulating wind towers, giving a tax break to the developers of the Central Maine Commerce Center, and offering a reward to help catch whoever may be damaging trees in Mill Park.

Last month the Planning Board unanimously approved an ordinance to regulate windmills. Monday, the regulations go before the City Council for discussion.

Matthew Nazar, deputy director of development services, said the city has seen a significant increase in interest in installing small wind turbines to generate electricity. He said he expects that interest to continue, especially as energy costs continue to escalate.

Monday's meeting is informational, meaning no votes will be taken. It gets underway at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at Augusta City Center.

Councilors are also scheduled to:

• Discuss a request for a tax break for the Central Maine Commerce Center.

• Discuss, with the Tree Board, offering a reward for tree damage at Mill Park. Some trees planted by the city in the park have been damaged. Police are investigating.

• Discuss a skate park.

• Discuss city policies regarding residential heating issues.