FAIRMONT– The county commissioner room at the Martin County Courthouse was packed with citizens present to hear about a conditional use permit request on Tuesday.

The commissioners considered a conditional use permit request from W. Lorentz & Sons Construction within Section 25 of Fairmont Township. W. Lorentz & Sons Construction is proposing to mine gravel and sand in an SL- 1 Shoreland Special Protection District and in an A Agricultural District.

Planning and Zoning Director, Pam Flitter, said conditions set by the Planning Committee were approved by the applicant and that the Planning Committee had previously recommended approval of the conditional use permit.

Commissioner Elliot Belgard said he had received a petition of signatures from surrounding land owners opposing it.

He said the commissioners can approve the request, as per recommendation of the Planning Committee or can deny it with reason.

County Attorney Terry Viesselman added that the commissioners didn’t need to make a decision that day, but could hold a public hearing at the county level. A public hearing cannot be held without official prior notice.

“I’m hearing a lot of concerns about this and I understand. I was at the initial public hearing when the board went over it and I want to thank them for due diligence in what they did,” Belgard said.

Belgard told those in the room that the commissioners rely on citizen boards and committees to do some work for them.

“They’re very valuable resources. Planning and Zoning Board is trained in what they do. They adhere to the rules, that’s what they do,” Belgard said.

He said it’s more important that they get it done right, rather than get it done quickly. Belgard suggested that they wait to take action in order to let the people be heard.

Commissioner Richard Koons agreed that they postpone the decision and hold a public hearing.

“We owe it to the people sitting here and also to Lorentz Company to get this right,” said commissioner Kathy Smith.

Belgard said, “I realize we’re in a position where we’re not going to make everyone happy. That goes with our job, we understand that. We’re trying to make the right decision. That’s our goal.”

The commissioners set a public hearing for 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 inside the county commissioner room at the Martin County Courthouse.

In other action, the county commissioners:

— Elected Board Chair and Co-Chair to remain the same with Elliot Belgard as Chair and Richard Koons as Co-Chair.

— Approved the hire of Michele Nelson to the position of Children’s and Young Adult Librarian.

— Approved the promotion of Deputy Sheriff, Matt Owens, to Patrol Sergeant.

— Accepted the retirement of Corrections Officer, Steve Moeller, and moved to fill the position.

— Set the County Board of Commissioners regular meeting date as 9 a.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

— Designated the Martin County Star, the low bidder, as the official county paper for year 2022.