By Jenn Moreira | White Mountain Independent
The Apache County Planning and Zoning Commission’s special work session on Aug. 26 focused on renewable energy, with discussion centered on creating preferred zones or overlays for utility-scale projects, potential amendments to the county’s comprehensive plan, ongoing changes to the renewable energy systems ordinance and concerns around Commissioner Travis Johnson.
Fish addresses Johnson’s recusal
Community Development Director Matt Fish addressed concerns about Commissioner Travis Johnson’s absence. Fish explained that Johnson had approached him early in the process to ask if he should recuse himself, since Johnson could receive financial compensation from the Environmental Defense Fund in connection with the Juniper Springs project. Fish said he told Johnson he did not need to step aside from general ordinance or comprehensive plan discussions, but should recuse himself from specific case matters such as the Juniper Springs conditional use permit.
