LAWRENCE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING – January 4 ...

Ewing stated there are still questions left to be answered by the Judge. Questions unanswered are 1.)Was the Public Defenders office even considered? 2.) Why wasn’t the County given the option tobid out the service? 3.) Were attorneys in Lawrence County even considered? 4.) How was theselection of attorney’s made?Ewing stated it was unfair to the citizens of Lawrence County as the County is looking at possibleshort falls of funds and he doesn’t want to sit through budget hearings, and cut budgets, to build apool of money to pay the large attorney bills. Ewing stated Piper has already had a fair trial anddoesn’t deserve another one at the expense of taxpayers. Johnson stated he agrees with Ewing’scomments but with how the laws are set up, they are responsible to pay, and if they postpone thetrial now it could end up costing taxpayers more money. Ewing stated the laws will never getchanged if someone doesn’t challenge the system. Sleep stated the Judge isn’t looking at theCommissioner’s responsibility to look after taxpayer’s funds and the system needs to be looked at.Weisenberg stated they need to send a letter to the Judge to clarify the unanswered questions.Weisenberg stated they can’t change the law, that is the responsibility of the legislature, and theytook an oath to follow the laws. Ewing stated they also took an oath to look after the citizens ofLawrence County.Moved-Seconded (Weisenberg-Flanagan) To send a letter to Judge Eckrich asking for a response tounanswered questions, and pay the attorney bills as presented for Robert VanNorman $7,126.49 andMichael Stonefield $9,327.50. Motion Carried. Aye-Weisenberg, Flanagan, Johnson. Nay-Sleepand Ewing.Moved-Seconded (Flanagan-Weisenberg) To send a letter to the legislative delegation requestingthey review the statues to eliminate this from occurring in the future. Motion Carried. Aye-4,Absent-Johnson.SDSU EXTENSION ASSOCIATION: The Board discussed the SDSU Extension Associationletter to provide a 4-H Youth Program Advisor. No action was taken.PLANNING & ZONING:Amber Vogt, Planning & Zoning Administration, updated the board on Planning & Zoning matters.BUILDING PERMIT REFUND: Moved-Seconded (Weisenberg-Ewing) to follow therecommendation of Amber Vogt and refund the Building Permit Fee to Allen Fryer due to the quotefrom Black Hills Power & Light of $45,000 to run power to the lot and they will not be building atthis time. Motion Carried.WHARF RESOURCES EXPANSION MINING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #398: Lead,SD for the WHARF RESOURCES EXPANSION MINING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT #398.Vogt updated the Board on the Special Planning and Zoning Meeting. Vogt presented Planning andZoning’s recommendation to the Board. The Board reviewed the letters received from Betty Ryanand Mike Hickey who is representing Helen Schold. Flanagan expressed concerns on proposedCondition #33 & #34. Discussion followed on roads being reclaimed limiting access to landownersin the area.