Allen County commissioners will decide next Tuesday whether to uphold a recommendation of their planning commission to deny rock quarrying on the south slope of Humboldt Hill.
David Gant, owner of D&D Propane and owner of the land in question, wants a zoning deferment so Mid States Materials may blast rock from the overburden of dirt and haul it from the site under a lease agreement.
At a meeting last Thursday planners voted 4-0 to deny the request. Objections included blasting within close proximity of occupied dwellings and the fear that trucks entering onto old Highway 169 from the peak of the hill would create a traffic hazard, said County Counselor Alan Weber.
A part of the request was hold off on quarrying until U.S. 169s rebuild is completed, which would reduce traffic, now using the old highway as a detour. The highway rebuild is expected to take about 18 months.
In other business, commissioners:
Gave their approval for Downtown Iola Marketing Committee to use the courthouse lawn during a sidewalk bazaar on Aug. 4. Having access to the courthouse property will allow food and other vendors to join and enhance the event.
Accepted a bid of $3,690 from Iola Auto Parts for an air conditioning recovery system. The bid was lowest of three. The system will cleanse and recycle refrigerant from vehicles.
Appointed Stacy Fag-er, USD 257 superintendent of schools, to the 31st Judicial District Advisory Board. He will replace Kay Lewis, USD 258 superintendent, who retired from the board.
