Sun-News report

LAS CRUCES - A proposed ordinance to regulate alternative energy systems in Mesilla will be the primary focus of discussion when the Mesilla board of trustees meets.

Some residents want trustees to put tight regulations on the size, number as well as volume of noise emitted from an alternative energy system or systems installed within the town limits. Still others claim they're just trying to be good stewards of the environment and alternative energy systems should be allowed to operate with minimal requirements.

Mesilla resident Billy Garrett, who is also a Do a Ana County commissioner, urged trustees at their Jan. 10 meeting to follow guidelines recommended by a citizens' ad-hoc committee that has helped develop the ordinance.

Town officials placed a moratorium on the installation of windmills in Mesilla that lasted almost a year after one resident installed five to generate electricity for his property. Trustees allowed the windmills to be erected, but they also acknowledged that changes to the ordinance governing windmills was outdated and needed amendments to include their use to generate electricity.

Officials and the ad-hoc committee have been working for about 18 months to help develop an ordinance, and Garrett reminded trustees of the time that's been invested by the committee.

"A lot of thoughtful and careful research has been done by the committee," Garrett said.

If you go

•What: Mesilla board of trustees

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meeting.

•When: 6 p.m. Monday.

•Where: Mesilla Town Hall, 2231 Avenida de Mesilla.

•Information: Interim Town Clerk Nicholas Eckert, (575) 524-3262, extension 105.