It looks like the Scarborough Town Council can expect more discussion about a recently passed wind turbine ordinance.

Scarborough Town Councilor Judith Roy said she hopes the council will reconsider the wind turbine ordinance it adopted on July 15. And since Roy was among those who voted for the ordinance at that meeting, she can make it happen.

“Council rules state that any councilor who votes in favor of a passed motion can then bring it up again for reconsideration,” Roy said. “I think we do need to reconsider this and have more discussion on it.”

The council passed the ordinance 5-1, with Chairman Mike Wood opposed.

Several revisions were made between the ordinance’s first reading and the July 15 vote. For one, the allowable height for a wind turbine was raised from 100 to 175 feet, and the setback requirement was decreased from 110 percent to 75 percent of the turbine’s height.

“I do have a small problem with the height issue,” Roy said. “I think it’s too big.”

The change in height had been one of the biggest concerns as to whether a wind turbine is appropriate in a densely populated neighborhood, such as Ferry Road. The town earlier this year ordered Ferry Road resident Scott Doherty to stop work on a turbine installation after neighbors complained.

Another concern is the danger to nearby property if a turbine falls.

“One of the more troublesome changes to the ordinance is the reduction of the setback requirement to less than the permitted height of the tower,” said attorney Richard Shinay of Drummond and Woodson, representing Ferry Beach Road resident William Roman. “My client’s concern is that by reducing the setback, if the tower were to fall down, it would fall across the property line and damage someone’s property.”

During the July 15 meeting, Wood, Roy and Councilor Shawn Babine voted to table the issue, but it failed 3-3. Councilor Carol Rancourt had left prior to the discussion. When the council voted on the main motion, all but Wood voted in favor.

Town Manager Tom Hall said he likes the idea of alternative energy, but he is also cautious about the height change.

“I was concerned and expressed that concern with the increase in height and the decrease in setback,” Hall said. “My way of thinking, and I think everyone agrees, (wind energy) is something we should be making way for and it’s good for the environment, but we need to make sure we are looking out for everyone’s needs.”

Hall said that an argument could be made that most people couldn’t purchase a 175-foot turbine, but the town must still be diligent when passing such ordinances.

“It’s our responsibility to balance those rights against the needs of society,” he said. “It’s really revolutionary.”