Communications tower, kennel operations approved
Two conditional use permits were approved Monday by Marion County Commission.
A wireless communications tower near Hillsboro and a dog breeding kennel near Lehigh will be allowed.
The 220-foot Western Wireless support tower will be on land owned by Scully Partners and will be located near U.S.-56, west of Hillsboro.
County zoning regulations require shared use of the towers and the company's designs allows three users, reported David Brazil, county zoning administrator.
Patrick and Jennifer Martin applied for a permit for a kennel at 2041 K-168, Lehigh. Up to 120 dogs will be allowed. The state will permit the wastewater operation, said Brazil.
Construction permits will be issued.
In other department business:
— The commission reviewed a resolution to renew solid waste fees. Currently owners of real property are assessed annually for disposal of household solid waste.
Brazil said he made minor changes to the document. No decision was made.
— Brazil proposed a 20 percent reduction of fees to the City of Hillsboro regarding construction and demolition waste.
Commissioner Dan Holub asked about consideration for the City of Peabody since residents have mandatory recycling.
Brazil said he monitors the amount of waste disposed by municipal haulers and wants to eventually see countywide recycling.
He wasn't sure how discounts could be given to some property owners.
County clerk Carol Maggard said there could be a computer program set up to flag those residents who receive a discount.
Brazil commented not everyone recycles in Peabody and said citations are issued in Newton for those who do not recycle.
Commissioner Randy Dallke said Peabody's ordinance is set up to issue citations but the city hasn't taken that step.
Brazil suggested a countywide recycling program when the bond for the transfer station is repaid.
— Masonry work at the transfer station will be completed Friday. Brazil asked permission to seek bids for sealing brick. Funds of $16,000 have been earmarked for the project.
Dallke suggested the roof be repaired before any other work be completed. There is $14,000 budgeted for roof repairs, Brazil said.
The last time Brazil advertised for bids for repairing the roof, no bids were submitted.
Maggard suggested contacting the same roofer who repairs the courthouse and jail buildings.
— Brazil reported samples were collected and sent as required from the site of the former county landfill.
— A meeting was held with Jim Kaup, the county's zoning consultant. A concept letter regarding changes to the county's zoning regulations will be brought before the commission.
— Brazil was given permission to seek bids for a pump system to pump water from trailer stalls at the transfer station.
