Staff writer
Marion County Planning and zoning director Tonya Richards asked the Marion County Commission on Monday about creating a license for the construction of retaining walls.
Walls in several locations at Marion County Park and Lake have created issues. One wall in the Wildin subdivision is leaning and looks like it could fall over at any moment. Other walls off Jerome are located in county road right-of-ways, blocking potential construction. Other retaining walls land on the other side of private property.
Richards said a license could set restrictions on the size of walls, which would reduce safety hazards like the leaning wall in the Wildin subdivision but could also require a survey to make sure the wall did not pass over right-of-way or property lines.
Commissioners advised Richards to have County Attorney Susan Robson examine a license proposal.
Commissioner Roger Fleming also suggested modifying deeds so that if a property with a retaining wall in a right-of-way was sold, the new owners would be aware that it could be knocked down to make way for construction.
In other business:
- The commission approved an appointment to the Harvey-Marion County Community Developmental Disability Organization board. Barbara Bunting from Newton will join the board. Commissioner Randy Dallke’s term on the board has ended; Dallke and Fleming made a motion for Dan Holub to be the replacement. There is also a Marion County position available that was vacated by Diane Young.
- The county will receive $6,109 found after a worker’s compensation audit performed by KWORCC.