Minutes of the
Monday, April 7th, 2014
Item #1 CALL TO ORDER The Zoning & Land Information Committee meeting was called to order by Chairman Rasmussen at 11:00 am. Those that were present or signed up to speak were Bob Holets, Gaylord Deets, Larry Sebranek, Marilyn Marshall, James Lewis, Virginia Wiedenfeld, Mike Bindl with Cheryl Dull taking minutes. General public was also present.
Item #2 Approve agenda and publication Moved by Bob to approve the publication and agenda, 2nd by Larry. Motion carried.
Item #3 Discussion and possible approval of amendments to the Richland County Zoning Ordinance #5 relating to nonmetallic mining regulations Ron Solinger stated that the public would like to see the truck loads and stock piles be covered as to not allow dust to be blown in the wind.
Sharon Swiggum wants to thank the committee for working on the ordinance and in being proactive in sand mining that is coming into our area.
Margaret Farley asked to speak stating she is impressed in what we have accomplished in the investigation of sand mining. She does have some concerns she wants to express. With the construction of our lands, most of our waters are in the Jordan sand layer which is fast moving, increasing the possibility of rapid water pollution. She would like to request that a large setback be to wells. She is also presenting a statement from another person named Barb, who is concerned with the property value of neighboring properties to a sand mine.
Richard Rasmussen stated we have been working with this ordinance to best they can but yet stay within the laws we are provided to work with.
Laura Berger questioned if there is Financial Assurance required? Mike stated yes there is, Gaylord read the part of the ordinance that he felt would apply. She clarified she is looking more for real estate values. Mike stated they have discussed it but it is not in the ordinance. She also mentioned silicoses lung.
Sarah Brehm is gratefully the County put the Moratorium in place so that they could do the research needed to make a decision. She has concerns of health affects, infrastructure and property values caused by Frac Sand mines.
Ernie Wittner stated he has heard comments concerning property values but wondered if anything had been done concerning it? Bob stated there has not been a lot of research done on property values of properties on the market.
Sherry Scott wants to state she supports the ground water, sediment ponds and noise pollution that have been put into the Ordinance. Silca sand dust is the size that actually lodges in our lungs and cannot be filtered. It stays there for life.
William DePuig stated he moved here in the mid 90’s to become a tree hugger. He wants to know in State Law where does a referendum fit in?
Jim Schuhart wants to know if our property values go down, will our taxes go down also?
Bob Holets suggesed that we should address the truck covers and property value problems if possible.
Bill VanderMolen stated a cover may not do what you expect and if a company wants to save money they will use one anyway.
John Stabor stated 10 years ago no one heard for fracing. He would like to thank the board for all they have done.
Bill VanderMolen asked why we can’t just outlaw Frac sand mining?
Mike stated it is called a taking, we could be sued.
Deb Schwarz stated the corporations have more rights than citizens now days. Currently there is a county in Iowa where they are dealing with this and the Frac Sand mining Companies are suing them. She suggests we think outside the box.
Richard stated if there is nothing further, the board will incorporate covered loads, distance from streams and covered stock piles. He doesn’t know how or if they can address the property values.
Martin Clearfield stated in Marshall township they changes some items due to pigs farming. Why can’t we do that for mines.
Pam Tolaver asked if we know what the affects of sand do why can’t we just say no?
Mike stated this will go on the May agenda for approval.
Item #4 adjourn Moved by Virginia to adjourn at 11:56 am, 2nd by Jim. Motion carried
Minutes respectfully submitted by Cheryl Dull.