Commission awaits legal opinion before forming committee in relation to hog farm

A committee that could create an ordinance in relation to a proposed Kingdom City hog farm is still in the works, according to Callaway County Presiding Commissioner Gary Jungermann.

Jungermann is waiting on legal advice from Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wilson on how to proceed with the committee and later on a possible health, nuisance or appropriate ordinance to ensure the public's well being. The passing of Amendment 1, the so-called Right to Farm Act, may complicate the process as the legislation is brand new.

Jungermann said his concern goes past the smell of the thousands of hogs, but the effects their waste will have on the land. He said he wants to see protection of the creeks.

He added that the committee and commission must be careful with the language of any ordinance. Some counties in Missouri, Jungermann said, have eliminated beef and hog farming through ordinances.

"You don't want to look back and say this was a bad mistake for whatever reason," Jungermann said.

Once the commission receives feedback from Wilson, Jungermann said he and his fellow commissioners will be able to move forward.

The commission has also recently faced a question about installing metal detectors at the courthouse entrance.

The security committee - comprised of a commissioner, Recorder of Deeds Christine Kleindienst, Sheriff Dennis Crane, Wilson and various attorneys - brought the idea to the commission, but Jungermann said funds aren't available to support it.

The county could possibly purchase a metal detector, but paying salary and benefits for someone to man the machine is where the expense is, Jungermann said. A possible solution, he added, is to hire a part-time security guard to roam the hallways of the courthouse.

"Some people who work in this facility have some concerns, how great they are I don't really know," Jungermann said.

A metal detector already in the county's possession is used during high profile cases, and sheriff's deputies use a wand for extra security.

Jungermann said because administrative offices are also located inside the building, many citizens come in to do things like pay taxes or obtain a marriage license - actions that don't typically pose a security risk.

In other news, the commission is putting forward funding for a new bridge over Hillers Creek on Old Highway 54, south of Fulton.

Jungermann said the cost of the bridge will be between $400,000-$450,000, and it should be completed by late spring or early summer.