Council OKs windmill near golf course

Tuesday night Boulder City officials denied an appeal filed by a neighbor regarding a wind-powered source of renewable energy that will be erected in a community adjacent to Boulder City Municipal Golf Course.

Homeowner Kae Pohe plans to erect a 35-foot tall windmill at his home on Royal Birkdale Drive and several neighbors said they objected, arguing that the turbines were ruining the aesthetics of the neighborhood and would becoming an eyesore.

The appeal was regarding the planning commission's decision to allow a 5-foot setback instead of the 41-foot 6-inch setback as required by code. The change was approved by council members after Pohe told them the location was the least obstrusive and had the best wind.

Pohe, who is the owner of The Flying Saucer: Area 52, is requesting a permit to place a windmill on the east side of his home to help generate cheaper, renewable energy.

"It wasn't until I saw the prototype where I had a real strong reaction to not want to see this across the street from my house," said Pohe's neighbor Merle Jensen. "I went door to door and spoke to my neighbors and they pretty much had the same feelings I did. They want to preserve the integrity of the golf course community."

According to City Council members, by law they cannot stop Pohe from putting up the wind-energy system. The most they can do is monitor the length of the turbines and see that he is following the restrictions set by the planning commission.

Pohe had to lower the height of the wind turbine and change the color of the pole.

The windmill will stand at 35 feet and has been tested to withstand wind speeds exceeding 100 mph.

"We have these windmills all over the world. We have a structural engineer that has tested these windmills in over 100 mph. They are meant to last," said Richard Steinke of Wind Sail Receptor Inc, inventor of the system.

Pohe said he hopes that this will be the first step in his renewable energy project he plans to bring to Boulder City.

In other actions, the City Council:

• Approved the agreement between Boulder City and Palm Real Estate inspections to perform contract building inspection services.

• Presented the audit for the 2015 fiscal year.

• Approved an amendment to the water service contract between Copper Mountain Energy LLC, Copper Mountain Solar 4 LLC, and the city to provide construction water from Copper Mountain Energy LLC to Copper Mountain Solar 4 LLC.

Contact reporter Juan Diego Pergentili at jpergentili@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9401. Follow him on Twitter @jdpbcreview.