The Pope County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously in the passage of a resolution adopting the Pope County Solid Waste Designation. The ordinance regulates the transportation and delivery of solid waste generated within the county, defines the geographic area, the type and quantities of solid waste subject to designation, specifies the points of delivery of the designated waste and requires the waste be delivered to a designated facility. The ordinance excepts from the requirements certain types of solid waste materials. It has been in the works since early 2020. 

An interim use permit was approved for Glacial Ridge Ventures to re-establish and operate a gravel mining operation in Gilchrist Township. The property previously had mining activities. Glacial Ridge Ventures plans to mine the property in five-acre phases. 

A staff initiated rezoning request was approved for a 20.87-acre parcel in the Fischer Addition. The designation was non-intensive agriculture with a special residential overlay and the current residential use was non-conformant. “This particular neighborhood is dominantly residential, and it has been for decades,” stated David Green, Land & Resource Management Director. Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the change.

After a “laborious process,” the board voted in favor of the Baker Tilly wage schedule. The county engaged with Baker Tilly to conduct a comprehensive classification and compensation study. County employment positions were evaluated, and job descriptions were updated. 

In other business, Brian Giese was appointed County Engineer and thanked for his extensive work in the past with the county. “You’ve gone above and beyond. We thank you for doing such an excellent job,” stated Pope County Commissioner Gordy Wagner. After a review of the bills and financials the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6 at the Pope County Courthouse.