County approves construction of cell tower at Florence
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Marion County Commission took action Monday on several resolutions submitted by the county planning commission.
A resolution to construct a cellular tower approximately one mile south of Florence unanimously was approved.
The tower will have a concrete base and be enclosed with a chain-link fence.
"There definitely is a need," said Bobbi Strait, planning and zoning director. "The tower will improve communication with that part of the county."
It will be installed by U.S. Cellular.
Dennis and Kathy Wilson of rural Peabody were approved to erect a conditional use single-wide manufactured home on their home site south of Peabody to house an elderly parent who is in relatively good health but needs some assistance.
The resolution will remain in force for five years, after which it will be reviewed for extension or termination.
The Wilsons have committed to selling and moving the home off their property when it no longer is needed.
The commission agreed this was a special situation which required a temporary fix and said their action was not meant to override the county's zoning regulation against establishment of permanent mobile homes in the countryside.
Commissioners also approved a resolution rejecting Jim Klaassen's request for a two-year conditional use permit for a salvage yard at his home one mile south and one-half mile east of Peabody.
Klaassen previously had been given 45 days by the county to obtain a license from the state and had not done so.
Strait said the planning commission, in resolving to deny the permit, felt to legalize an illegal operation would set a bad precedent, and that Klaassen had been given adequate time to clean up the site.
After the resolution is published, Klaassen will have six months to dispose of the junk.
Strait praised the members of the planning commission.
"They are doing a thorough job," she said. "I appreciate the work they are doing."
Strait announced that she now is certified as an asbestos inspector in Kansas and Missouri, having recently returned from taking the necessary training.
County clerk Carol Maggard announced that county valuation is up slightly, so tax dollars also are up. This necessitated approval of a resolution authorizing increased spending by the county.
"They can't throw too much at us since we kept the mill levy the same," said Commissioner Randy Dallke.
The ending cash balance on July 31 was $9,176,086, which was $1,174,936 more than a year earlier.
Maggard said someone had inquired as to who will pay for electricity usage at the Marion County Park and Lake Museum. Promoters had said there would be no cost to the county.
The commissioners consented to the county covering the cost if electrical service to the little building is adequate for the planned installation of an air conditioner. They noted all the volunteer labor that is going into the project.
Commissioners also expressed assurances that Jon Thole will be granted access to Sunflower Road during corn and bean harvest this fall. He farms the bottom land just south of Marion and was concerned that road construction could cause problems.
Tony Gaines was appointed as a trustee of Peabody Township.
Judy Reno attended the commission meeting as a representative of Marion County Democratic Women. She said the group plans to send a representative on a regular basis.
Tom Holub and Gary Williams of the road and bridge department reported that construction on Roxbury Road is nearing an end and should be completed in approximately one week.
Holub complimented the men as "a good, organized, and cooperative crew."
They were given the go-ahead to proceed early this fall to make repairs on the four-mile stretch of road from Tampa south to 290th Street. The existing black-top will be milled and mixed with rock.
Teresa Huffman, county economic development director, spoke to commissioners about her official car. It has accumulated 180,000 miles and is in need of a new air-conditioning system.
After suggesting possible use of a former police car, commissioners learned it also was high mileage and in need of repairs.
They authorized Huffman to obtain bids on new, small car models from Ford, Chevrolet, and Chrysler dealers in Marion County. Financial support for the purchase will be sought from local banks.
The consensus was that Huffman, as a promoter of Marion County, needs a good vehicle for traveling and transporting visitors around the county.
The board conducted a tele-conference with architect Tony Rangel regarding renovations at the county jail.
Rangel reported that, although several letters of invitation to bid were sent out, only one contractor showed up at a pre-bid meeting. Rangel said the contractor appeared interested in bidding on the project to bring the jail up to standards set by the state fire marshal.
If a bid is submitted, it must be received by noon Aug. 24 and will be opened at 1 p.m. Aug. 27 in the commission room.
Rangel told commissioners if they don't receive a bid or if they decide to reject the bid they receive, the project could be put out for bid again but may have to be advertised farther out from the county.
