HomeMy WebLinkAboutBoard of Commissioners - Minutes - 06/25/2008Junkyard Ordinance Public Meeting
Pelican Rapids Library -June 25,2008 6:30 p.m.
The Public Meeting lo discuss a proposed Junkyard Ordinance was called lo order at 6:30 p.m.
Attending were the five County Commissioners, Solid Waste Director, County Attorney and
County Coordinator. Mike Hanan, Solid Waste Director, opened the meeting and gave the
background of the issue slating that complaints have been received and a citizens group has
petitioned for an ordinance restricting the collection of un-regulated junk. Copies of a dra!i
ordinance were made available. The following comments, statements and questions were
received.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Would vehicles not visible from a road be regulated?
Would vehicles stored in a building be regulated9
What about farm machinery not currently in use9
I run a salvage yard that is neat and well organized; fencing is neither possible nor
feasible.
I object to large fees for licenses and inspectors .
What about tractors that aren't required to be licensed?
I run a repair shop, what about equipment that is dropped off for repair or is being held
until payment is made?
I am concerned about collector cars being eliminated .
Is this a scheme by the county to raise money?
Question some of the definitions in the ordinance-why is copper listed as a health and
safety issue? What is the issue of something is inert and not visible from a public road?
People know what ju,nk is, the committee is not against business .
Often residential areas are encroached upon by growing or new junkyards causing a
decrease in the valuation of the residential property.
Will the proposed ordinance be reviewed and reconsidered?
Will the entire cost of the program be placed on !he licensees9 Don't lose sight of
common sense.
There has been a proliferation and growth of junkyards. Yes I am aware of properly
rights however, cities and counties have zoning and restrictions exist in many areas.
Not everyone here is "bad". It would be good to have some time to clean areas up .
How do you define a trunk highway? I am guilty of causing a problem, good fences
make good neighbors. There are other reasons that this group of citizens wants this
ordinance passed.
There are many horrible examples, aesthetics are important. Junk is worth a lot of
money.
ls there a facility to dispose of mobile homes? ls there a county plan to finance mobile
homes for people to trade?
Will all existing junkyards meet the requirements for licensing?
The goal of the committee is to leave this place a lit!le better .
I have paid taxes since 1936 and am impressed by the County and its ordinances .
The County enforces the lake rules but many lake owners don't follow the rules .
One piece of equipment or a large truck can be more in volume than five cars .
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Cll/lk