No dumping: Hefty fines proposed for lawbreakers
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission wants to adopt a resolution that would make people think twice about the illegal dumping of appliances, tires, and sewage.
It was suggested during Monday's meeting to impose fines of $1,500 for violators, and daily fines until the situation is cleaned up or remedied.
The commission also wants the destruction of county roads caused by drivers of four-wheel-drive vehicles to cease. The commission made it clear it was not targeting those who have a purpose on dirt and graveled roads after a rain or snow fall, but those who choose to take trucks and ATVs on county roads for the purpose of tearing up the roads.
In other business:
— The commission made an exception to a regarding the deadline for completion of a residence as part of the county's neighborhood revitalization program.
Currently, the program requires structures to be completed within 18 months. County appraiser Cindy Magill said she had an application from Joe Silhan who is building a house but will not complete it within the preferred time period.
It was determined that the property owner will be taxed each year for the percentage of the project that is completed and would not participate in the rebate program until the project was completed, 100 percent.
— A conditional use permit was approved for the construction of a fellowship hall at Strassburg Baptist Church on Pawnee Road. Marion County Planning Commission had recommended the permit be approved.
— County sanitarian and zoning administrator Bobbi Strait reported Daniel King had not made any improvements to his property per his agreement with the county. The county had given the property owner until September to obtain a survey and erect at least 75-80 percent of a fence around his salvage operation.
— Following a five-minute executive session for personnel that was requested by Magill, the commission approved the promotion of Gene Bowers from an appraiser I position to appraiser II. His pay will increase $255 per month.
— Magill reported she received a letter of compliance for appraisal of residential and commercial properties from Kansas Department of Revenue.
— A motion that was made the previous week was rescinded. The commission had approved the sale of two lots in Florence to Bryan Harper. The lots were surrendered to the county following a tax sale. Sealed bids will be taken on the property.
Holub asked if lots retained by the county following tax sales within city limits could be given to cities. In turn, the cities could encourage development.
Dallke pointed out that three lots in Peabody were in a floodplain and could not be developed.
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson will be asked to advertise the properties from previous tax sales that will be sold by sealed bid.
