Two conditional use permits and a preliminary plat were approved Tuesday by the Mower County Board of Commissioners.

Mel Harrington received the county commissioners' approval to have an additional dwelling constructed in a wooded area in Section 15, Racine Township.

Mary Schmitz received the commissioners' approval for the third phase of Golf View Acres west of Adams. Schmitz also received approval for the preliminary plat of the residential subdivision.

Both CUP requests were recommended by the Mower County Planning Commission.

Daryl W. Franklin, county planner and zoning administrator, explained the requests to the commissioners, meeting in regular session Tuesday at the government center.

Six conditions were attached to the Harrington requests, including one that will protect a waterway/tile line serving an adjoining farm field.

Only one lot at the site is currently being developed, according to Franklin's explanation. Also, the lot will have a driveway exiting onto a township road and not the nearby U.S. Highway 63.

Ray Tucker, 2nd District, made the motion and David Hillier, 3rd District, seconded it. The motion was unanimously approved by all five commissioners.

The second CUP request finishes the plans of Mike (deceased) and Mary Schmitz for their Golf View Acres residential subdivision across Minnesota Highway 56 from the Cedar River Country Club.

Again, Tucker made the motion to approve the request and Hillier seconded it before the 5-0 vote of approval.

Schmitz's request for preliminary plat approval for six additional residential lots also won the commissioners' unanimous approval. Tucker made the motion and Dick Lang, 4th District, seconded it.

In other business, the county commissioners:

n Approved a recommendation of the personnel committee to change a half-time position in the Mower County Court Administration office to full-time. The estimated $25,000 in salary and benefits for the position will be paid from county reserves (specifically, the youth and family fund). The state-mandated hiring freeze in the Third Judicial District remains in effect. However, it is being appealed to add another person to the Mower County Court Administrator's staff. The personnel committee said the additional personnel is needed to meet an increased caseload.

n Directed Franklin to purchase appropriate pens or pencils to give away at upcoming home and vacation show in Austin. The free giveaways will be distributed by county officials and staff working at the Mower County booths at the show. Franklin has $750 to spend on the giveaways.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com