It has been brought to my attention the county Board of Commissioners is going to review the subject of hog-confinement facilities in Freeborn County. Apparently Adams Farms has requested reconsideration of a subject that has been previously voted down by the county board already. Nothing has changed in the proposal to be voted yet there is reconsideration on whose part.

The proposal is to build a hog operation on a parcel of land that would affect more than 80 people. Transportation along County 107 is the main route in which the petitioner wishes to use as the in and out for their operation. This would include increased truck traffic along this route, which already has its problems with maintenance. Another issue that is a concern, the Adams Farm people wish to build within a floodplain. They seem to think there is no worry yet this summer with the flooding (not historical flooding); the land where the proposal is to build was under water. With the operation as planned this would cause major health concerns among neighbors. Along with the confinement you would have the manure, which could be a huge problem in the floodplain. This is minor compared to all the airborne diseases that could be rendered to the rural community in close proximity to the building site.

With these concerns the board had voted previously not in favor of the project, I have received a letter stating there is going to be a reconsideration of the issue. How can there be reconsideration without a different proposal, and who authorizes this vote? It is my understanding once something is voted down it cannot return to the agenda for at least one calendar year. It seems as though our appointed county administrator has taken it upon himself to add this subject to the agenda for the next meeting. I think there may be some conflict of interest between Mr. Sorenson (appointed county administrator) and the people who live within the county.

I am asking all affected to voice their opinion before next Monday to your representative on this illegal action. The affected people know the havoc this could cause within such a close proximity to families. The board already said no. Where does another vote come into play? As a taxpayer I feel we are being railroaded by something or someone into a situation that is not following its own legalities. Once again, make yourself be heard.

Willard Street III

Glenville