(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Cass County Board of Supervisors, this (Tuesday) morning, held a Public Hearing on the previously explained, and proposed, amendment to the County Zoning Ordinance, changing a small portion of land in Pymosa Township along Eagle Avenue, from General Agricultural, to Light Industrial. The change was requested by Ron West, who has a federal firearms license to repair, manufacture and sell firearms.

Cass County Zoning Administrator Mike Kennon said the Zoning Commission, as previously reported, approved the request and recommended the Supervisors follow suite.

Ron West appeared before the Board, to explain most of what he wants to do, deals with the repair of firearms from a home-based business.

Ron West addresses the Cass County BOS (7/25/23)

Much of his business, he said, comes from trap shooters, who tend to break firing pins and want their stocks modified. No forging (hot metal work) will take place. He plans to use the extra income from his business to supplement his income for retirement. Following the Public Hearing, the Board unanimously approved the change in zoning request.

The Supervisors also discussed and passed a resolution cancelling three outstanding warrants (Checks) issued by the County, that are over one-year old. And, a resolution to allocate ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act, re: covid relief) funds to the CAM School District, was passed, in order to improve election polling place accessibility. The funds will not exceed $10,000. Deputy Auditor Sheri Karns explains the issue boils down to ease of accessibility and security.

Karns said after exploring the options with the Massena Middle School faculty, officials learned there are issues with the outside doors being wide enough, and there’s a slight lift which needs to be leveled-out, so that it’s more of a ramp. She said they currently bids for the wider door, which are around $3,000, but they don’t have a bid on the concrete, yet. That’s why they established a $10,000 ceiling for costs and materials. Parking on election day, she said, won’t be an issue, because they faculty will park in a separate lot.

In other business, the Board received a quarterly report from Cass County Veteran’s Affairs Director Mitch Holmes, and a report from the Cass County Secondary Roads Department Senior Technician Dennis Vogel. Vogel spoke about the ongoing bridge projects.

He also spoke about a couple of current and upcoming Fall concrete box culvert projects, as well as other maintenance and improvement activities.