Staff writer
Unmanned flying cameras — commonly called drones — are coming to Marion County.
Commissioners voted Monday to participate in Property Drone Consortium, which will provide a drone for use taking topography photos that can record storm damage, locate buildings, and assist in searches and.
Emergency manager Randy Frank said cost to the county would be $2,000 liability insurance.
Dan Holub and Randy Dallke voted to participate for up to two years on condition that money could be found to pay the insurance and that the public be made aware of the drone are and how it will be used. Lori Lalouette was not present at the meeting.
In other business Monday, commissioners were told that owners of what appears to be a salvage operation in Lincolnville have until July 28 to apply for a conditional use permit or will face prosecution.
Landowners James and Linda Green, and tenant Gavin Shields must both participate in the application regarding property at 2867 Highway 77
Shields denies he’s running a salvage operation but rather is storing things from his former shop.
“I’m having a huge problem with theft,” he said. “I’ve been proactive in contributing to the community to make it look nicer in cleaning the properties up. I’m worried about the community thinking I’m going to start piling up junk, and I’m not.”
In other matters, commissioners declined to permit houseboats at the county lake; approved a leash requirement for dogs at the lake; and accepted a $98,800 bid from Gerkin Environmental for asbestos and lead removal as part of work on courthouse windows.