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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size=3>Below is a message from Patrick Evans about </FONT></FONT></B><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size=3>Yard Lights and Light Pollution on the
Palouse....BL</FONT></FONT></B></P>
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style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size=3></FONT></FONT></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size=3><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office"
/><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></B> </P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>Mercury vapor yard lights are good business
for the power companies that promote them.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>To the power companies it means money but to many of us it means a
despoiling of our night sky and light trespass onto our properties and into
homes by unwitting neighbors.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In
Latah County today, Clearwater Power has some 500 mercury vapor yard lights
installed on rural properties.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
numbers are increasing and our night sky is fading.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Placing shields on these lights to avoid
light going up or laterally is not an option according to Clearwater Power as
these lights are an older model and cannot be shielded.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>The basic fact with these bright mercury
vapor yard lights is that the glare reduces the owners ability to see properly
and in effect reduces the owners safety and security.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Shielding these lights not only makes
them more effective for the owners but reduces light trespass and hence
conflicts between neighbors.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN></FONT></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>The Planning and Building Commission of Latah County has drafted a good
outdoor lighting ordinance which will require all yard lights to be
shielded.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Clearwater Power is
opposed as they will have to change out all of their older model mercury vapor
lights for something more modern with shields.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>To them it’s all about money but this is
our county and our quality of life that we must work to maintain.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>There is also a vociferous group of
rural land owners who have no respect for their neighbors and believe that they
should have the right to put up as many mercury vapor yard lights as they
desire.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Surely this group of people
who would not know the difference between a planet and a star are in the
minority – count the lights – 500 to date.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The majority of rural land owners as well as all concerned residents of
Latah County now have an opportunity to demand that all these bright obnoxious
lights are fitted with shields.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The
Planning Commission has done the work and they now need to hear from all of
us.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>They need our support to pass
this ordinance.</FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>The draft ordinance is as
follows:<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">SECTION 9.03 DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ALL
OUTDOOR LIGHTING </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">9.03.01
APPLICABILITY </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">In
order to conserve energy and reduce light pollution, all outdoor lights,
including lights attached to any type of building or structure shall
be: </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.5pt; TEXT-INDENT: -13.5pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">1.
Equipped with a photo-sensor so they are automatically turned off during
daylight hours; and </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">2.
Of a design that does not allow light to travel up or horizontally;
and </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 31.7pt; TEXT-INDENT: -13.7pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">3.
Lamped with high pressure sodium, metal halide, or compact fluorescent lamps,
or incandescent bulbs of 60 watts or
less. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"><FONT
size=3> <o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></SPAN></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">9.03.02 CHANGE IN
USE </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">When application for a change of use or for a
conditional use permit is made, all existing lighting must be brought into
compliance with Section 9.03.01 of this
ordinance. </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">9.03.03 QUASI-JUDICIAL
DECISIONS </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN
style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><SPAN style="mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt">The
Zoning Commission or the Board of Latah County Commissioners may set
stricter conditions than are set in Section 9.03.01 of this ordinance for
any type of permit that comes before
them.</SPAN><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3>It’s time to stop the spread of unshielded
mercury vapor yard lights in Latah County.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>The power companies should be held accountable and be required to place
shield on all of their yard lights.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>For homeowners, it is only common decency to shield your yard
lights.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman"
size=3>The next public meeting to discuss this ordinance will be on 7 February
at 5.30pm in the county court house – room 2B.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Please join to stand up for saving our
night sky and the peacefulness of the Palouse.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>In the meantime, you can write to the
Planning Commission at </FONT><A href="mailto:pb@latah.id.us"><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3>pb@latah.id.us</FONT></A><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3> and tell them you support the ordinance and
copy to the county commissioners to keep them
informed.<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">Key
contacts:</B><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
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style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Planning and Building Commission:
<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:pb@latah.id.us"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">pb@latah.id.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Janet Hohle (Commissioner):
<SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:jhohle@offsiteidahoag.us"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">jhohle@offsiteidahoag.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Michelle Fuson (PB Coordinator):
<SPAN style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:mfuson@latah.id.us"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">mfuson@latah.id.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><FONT size=3><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">County
Commissioners:</B><o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><o:p><FONT
face="Times New Roman" size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Jack Nelson: <SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:jnelson@latah.id.us"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">jnelson@latah.id.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Paul Kimmmel: <SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:pkimmell@latah.id.us"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">pkimmell@latah.id.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal
style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-pagination: none; mso-layout-grid-align: none"><FONT
size=3><FONT face="Times New Roman">Tom Stroschein: <SPAN
style="FONT-FAMILY: Helvetica; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'"><A
href="mailto:toms@moscow.com"><SPAN
style="COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; TEXT-DECORATION: none; text-underline: none">tstroschein@latah.id.us</SPAN></A></SPAN></FONT><o:p></o:p></FONT></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
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size=3> </FONT></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">Patrick T. Evans<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT size=3><FONT
face="Times New Roman">882-6241<o:p></o:p></FONT></FONT></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>