County board to rule on whether landfill can accept new asbestos
A set of feuding neighbors north of Austin will likely have a solution to their dispute Tuesday.
During its regular meeting, the county board is expected to approve or deny a request by Veit Disposal Systems to amend the business’s conditional use permit to allow types of friable asbestos — a dangerous material if it becomes airborne and is inhaled — at its VONCO IV Demolition Debris Disposal Facility, 24477 U.S. Highway 218 north of Austin.
However, the landfill’s closest neighbors, Bonnie and Bill Ryther, are firmly set against it. The Rythers argued waste and dust from the landfill is blowing into their property and reducing its value.
The Rythers also have health concerns, especially considering there was a fire at the landfill in 2010.
“We’re asking the board to do one thing now out of concern for our safety,” Bonnie said at a April 3 county board meeting.
The board is expected to announce its decision at a 10 a.m. public hearing.
Bond restructuring
The county board could approve a move to restructure bonds owed on the Mower County Jail and Justice Center — if the price is right.
George Eilertson, of Northland Securities, will talk with the board at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday about a bond change that could save the county up to $75,000 a year on the roughly $9.4 million owed on a bond for the Jail and Justice Center.
No county residents showed up for a public hearing March 20 on the bond change. Commissioners have anticipated little opposition, since it would save money on existing bonds.
The board could approve the bond change Tuesday, but it will only happen if the county is guaranteed a savings.
Human Services business opens the board meeting at 8:30 a.m., and the regular meeting is slated to begin at 9:30 a.m.
In other business:
—The board will reconvene at 1 p.m. to hear an update on the potential of regionalizing dispatch services from consultant Andy Terry.
—Community Health Manager Lisa Kocer will update the board at 9:45 a.m. on business in Public Health.