County mulls mask mandate

With COVID-19 cases on the rebound worldwide, the Marshall County Board of Supervisors considered mandating masks in county facilities again.

Circuit clerk Monet Autry brought the topic up while reporting on preparations for the November 2 election and in context of the courtroom at the courthouse.

She said judges, a District 3 county election commissioner race and municipal separate school board trustee position will be on the ballot.

She wants to make sure the county is prepared to receive updated election equipment.

The circuit court docket will be covered in August. Autry said mask mandates through the Supreme Court require them in the courtroom.

Three people arraigned out of 20 recently were reported positive for COVID, she said.

Zinn wondered if the county has the option to put in place a mask mandate.

“We did it before,” District 1 supervisor Charles Terry said. “Are we going to cave in and be a spreader? I think we have some responsibility.”

“We follow the guidelines of the Supreme Court,” Autry said. “The issue is, we’re putting all our lives in danger and I’m concerned about my staff. We can’t dismiss court.” The board took no action.

Zoning matters

Zoning director Ken Jones asked for cleanups on three properties – one off Rebecca Drive at 67 Marshall Cove (trash and non-permited dwelling), another at Lake Shore Drive at Lake Estates (tall grass) and a third at 35 Country Forest Drive where a property owner has 10 cows held on one acre of land. District 2 supervisor Eddie Dixon said residents are complaining about the odor that can be noticed before you get to the subdivision on Highway 72. The board authorized all three cleanup orders. Jones presented a concern about a property in Barton where wrecked autos are being brought in for repair.

He said the business is catty-cornered to Citizens Bank.

“Everybody around them is complaining,” he said.

He asked for a letter from the board attorney be sent advising the owner it was operating as an illegal business.

“It is not in need of cleanup, just need to do something about cars,” said attorney Amanda Smith.

The board passed a motion to send the letter.

A hearing for a lot 64 at Roper Plantation subdivision was held, and a motion finding the lot in need of cleanup was passed. The lot was empty and grass cutting was the issue.

After the finding, quotes were opened for cutting the grass with Barrett Ash Landscaping pricing it at $750, while Triple C bid $300. The quote was awarded to Triple C, and the fee will be charged to the lot owner’s property tax as a lien.

IDA

Justin Hall, executive director of the Marshall County Industrial Development Authority, reported strong activity in the county regarding new prospects coming to the industrial parks.

The site off Highway 311 is cleared and being prepared for a new facility.

He said the entrance includes a paved road the first 400 feet and a gravel access road 1,500 feet once inside the site.

The site is located near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and makes it a valuable location when rail access is wanted.

The airport has received a Federal Aviation Administration grant covering the entire cost to patch the taxiway, he said.

Hall asked for an executive session to discuss economic development.