Lyon County commissioners voted to send back an application for a communications tower to the Lyon County Zoning and Planning Board during their action session Thursday.
The application came before the board back in February and was tabled for further discussion at that time. The application is from AT&T and Network Real Estate for the erection of a 180 ft communications tower which would be located west of Emporia on Road 190 between D and E.
A formal petition was filed by landowners against the application citing concerns of depreciation of property value and health concerns among other reasons. Commissioners feel there is not enough information currently — on either side of the argument — in order to make the best-informed decision.
Commission chair Rollie Martin says they have heard several reasons for why or why not the application should be approved, however, they have yet to see any hard facts.
The application is set to return to the Zoning and Planning board during their April 10 meeting.
In other business, commissioners approved a proclamation of support towards the Stepping Up Initiative in Lyon County. The Stepping up Initiative is a nationwide movement aimed at reducing the population of inmates with mental health disorders.
According to Community Corrections Director Steve Willis, individuals with mental illness make up a sizeable portion of the inmate population across the state.
The initiative will assist the local coalition, consisting of law enforcement and other agencies, in finding resources and alternative options for individuals with mental health issues other than recycling them through the prison system. Commissioners were sure to elaborate that a proclamation such as this is a declaration of support and is separate from a resolution.
Commissioners also approved the closing of a portion of Road 310, reviewed the annual engineer’s report from Lyon County Engineer Chip Woods and approved the sending out of requests for new grader blades. Bruce Boettcher of BG Consultants also presented an update on the work taking place at Rural Water District #1.
The Lyon County Commission’s next action session will be held Thursday, April 4 at 8 am inside the Lyon County Courthouse.
