LWV Observer, Marcia Walters
* The proposed revisions to the feedlot ordinance were the subject of discussion between the Planning and Zoning staff, the Commissioners and some member of the Planning Commission. Protection of farming land was the main focus of the talk with concern that those new to farming might find it too expensive to purchase more than five acres for their operation. (Thirty-five acres are required for the construction of a new house.) Also mentioned was their belief in the benefit of spreading feedlot manure over commercially manufactured fertilizer. The majority of the commissioners felt that developments that are located in agricultural land are cases of “buyer beware.” Currently there are close to 400 feedlots in Rice County.
* The meeting was closed while a lawsuit, Cates vs. Riewe, was discussed. No announcement was made after the meeting was reconvened.
* A request for an amendment to an existing CUP for a tree removal business in Warsaw Township was denied. Meredith Erickson from the Attorney’s Office outlined the lengthy procedure required when a CUP’s requirements are not met. They basically work with the person in non- compliance and only resort to legal action as a last option.
* The dilemma of rising health care costs is going to cost the County more than $500,000 more next year with insurance costs rising 24 percent. There is a employee committee examining options as the costs have gone up 100 percent in ten years. The County goes out for bids periodically but the bidding companies low ball the premium amount to secure the business, then raise the costs the next year.
Posted by Georgiana Campbell on Sep 28, 2007 at 04:57 PM Comments (0)
