By Melanie Stegner

news@pctribune.com

Most of the discussion at last week’s Pope County Board of Commissioners meeting revolved around the approval of three separate conditional-use permits. One in Langhei Township for Zempels, one in Leven Township for Reichmanns and one in Westport Township for Biogas RNG, LLC.

The CUP for Zempel was approved unanimously with conditions by the board from an application to operate a small firearms and related accessories business out of the property. The business, named Diamond Z Arms, will consist of manufacturing and light gunsmithing, purchase, sale and transfers of firearms and permit to carry instruction. The conditions to the approval include business space of no more than 25 percent of the garage/utility area, no onsite employees other than home occupants, regular operating hours, outside lighting requirements, signs and advertising requirements.

Tony and Dean Reichmann applied to expand their existing 340-animal unit beef cow operation to a 700-animal unit beef cow operation. The expansion includes facility improvements including a new barn and removal of several older structures. The approval came with conditions such as ensuring animal waste complies with state and local regulations, securing permits from township, county and state agencies, and a manure management plan. The board approved the CUP unanimously.

An application for an anaerobic digestor was approved from Biogas RNG LLC to construct and operate an anaerobic digester on Malecha Dairy property in Westport Township. The digester will work in conjunction with existing operations and resources to create and capture biogas products including methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. The by-products are the basic components of renewable natural gas which will be compressed and shipped off-site to a receiving facility. The digester provides both a fiscal and environmental benefit for the Malecha’s operation.

An application by Micah Radach on behalf of Jasen and Karen Tank was received for a preliminary play on the third addition to West Shores in Leven Township. The Tank parcel includes 192.17 acres of land. The subdivision proposal will encumber 7.79 acres of the parcel to create seven residential lots along Lake Amelia. The board approved the request unanimously.

County Engineer Brian Giese presented the monthly board report from the Highway Department. The vacancy in the highway maintenance department has been filled and the new employee will begin near the end of April. A seasonal worker position will be posted to assist in the maintenance and engineering departments. The engineering staff is continuing to prepare for the upcoming construction season. Tree removal on CSAH 17 was completed on March 27 except for four locations on the Peters Resort property that were opted not to remove pending the final road alignment determination. 

Tax abatements were unanimously approved for three properties that had simple clerical errors. An engagement letter from the State Auditor was approved. A request for appropriation of ARPA funds to Hearts and Hands Food Shelf was approved for $10,000. The anticipated increased traffic and need expected at the only food shelf in the county after the end of COVID-era expanded food aid eligibility programs. Bills and financials were reviewed and approved as needed with no unexpected large expenses.