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By Candie Fix
Managing Editor 

Livestock moratorium goes into effect in Phillips County

 

December 9, 2020



A temporary moratorium on all permits relating to the expansion and creation of new livestock facilities went into effect in Phillips County last month. The six-month moratorium began on Nov. 9 and will remain in effect until end of day, May 9.

The temporary moratorium will allow the Phillips County Commissioners sufficient time to review, study, hold public hearings and prepare and adopt amendments to the zoning requirements, if necessary, in relation to plans of new and/or expansion of existing livestock facilities. The moratorium may be shortened or extended by the County should the Commissioners find it necessary.

Throughout the six-month period, the County will not take any action on any application for a permit for the expansion and creation of new livestock facilities and livestock operations.

During the period of the moratorium, the Phillips County Commissioners plan to meet with the planning and zoning commission as well as the board of adjustments regarding livestock facilities within the County. Plans are to review the set of zoning regulations and with due diligence in doing so.

The imposition of the moratorium is not intended to affect nor does it affect the processing of any application for a permit that has been determined to be a complete application as of November 2020.

Throughout the month of November, the Phillips County Commissioners gave final nod on purchases with COVID relief funds. All purchases must be made by Dec. 31:

• Replacing wood picnic tables and folding tables with non-porous plastic;

• Electrostatic sprayers and chemical disinfecting solution;

• Personal protective equipment for businesses, including social distancing signage/stickers;

• Personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies for County;

• Two metal food prep tables for the Bank of Colorado Pavilion concession area;

• HVAC upgrades or replacements at Courthouse storage area, Clerk’s office, Maintenance shop, Court Judge’s office, Human Services building and Communication Center/Sheriff’s building;

• Event Center window coverings from cloth to sealed wood;

• Retrofitting the Landfill Office with temporary wall and plexiglass shield over counter to separate and social distance customers and employees;

• Phillips County Event Center floor scrubber;

• Business grants for COVID losses;

• Additional temporary staff for COVID cleaning and election social distancing;

• COVID related legal fees;

• Supplies for telework capabilities;

• Barriers for social distancing at events;

• Expenses for County employees leave due to COVID health precautions; and

• Retro fit ambulances for COVID.

In other business, the Phillips County Commissioners:

• Approved the renewal of a lease for farm ground near the Landfill with Duane Hams for 2021. The lease is for 57 acres at $35 per acre for an annual lease of $1,995;

• Approved step increases for a number of employees including Michael Beard with the Sheriff’s Office, Sara Weiss with the Communication Center and Beau Waln with Road and Bridge;

• The Commissioners met with Brenda Brandt with The Holyoke Enterprise about an elected officials Christmas greeting, each elected official is responsible to personally pay for their share of the ad cost;

• Approved a proposal from Kelly Law, LTD to provide legal services for Phillips County for 2021;

• Approved a 2021 contract with Platinum Technology to provide IT services for the County at a monthly fee of $4,032;

• Approved an annual contract with VOICE Product Services for the Communication Center;

• Approved the purchase of an Alkota hot water pressure washer from Rocky Mountain Cleaning Systems for $4,995.

 

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