By Karissa Minn
kminn@salisburypost.com
The Rowan County Board of Commissioners on Monday authorized an appeal of a Superior Court decision about a proposed radio tower in Mount Ulla.
The board held a vote on the appeal after meeting in closed session with attorney Anthony Fox.
Davidson County Broadcasting, joined by Mount Ulla residents Richard L. and Dorcas Parker, had requested a conditional use permit to build the 1,200-foot tower on the Parkers’ property.
Commissioners voted 3-2 last summer to allow the tower, and a citizens’ group made up of the Miller Airpark Association, the Mount Ulla Historic Preservation and others challenged that decision.
In August, a visiting judge ruled that the county should have dismissed the permit application, because the case was already decided in 2005. The county now has been ordered to do just that.
Commissioner Jon Barber voted against the 3-1 decision to allow Fox to appeal, and Commissioner Raymond Coltrain was absent. Board members referred all questions to Fox, who could not be reached by press time Monday.
In a related matter, the board adopted a set of transcripts Monday as the official record for the Aug. 1-3, 2011, hearings regarding the tower permit.
At the meeting, Rowan County Commissioners also:
• Approved the National Association of Counties’ dental discount card for uninsured county residents.
There are 12 network dentists in Rowan County that will accept the recommended discount card. The program is similar to the group’s free prescription drug discount card, which the county also offers, but it carries a fee of $59 per year for individuals and $69 per year for families.
After that annual payment, adults’ cleanings cost $48, cleanings for children cost $34, a periodic oral evaluation costs $24 and bitewing X-rays cost $31. More critical dental care, such as fillings and root canals, also will be covered.
• Approved a request to allow Carolina Antique Power Association to construct a Farm Life Center at Sloan Park. The group will fund construction of the 5,200 to 5,800-square-foot exhibit building and donate it to the county.
The club will be responsible for operation of the exhibit and education of the public, and park staff will not be responsible for programming or opening the exhibit building.
• Donated a Calliope music box unit back to Ed Brown.
• Authorized a controlled burn by the N.C. Forestry Service at Eagle Point Preserve.
• Authorized a hazard mitigation plan update for 2015.
• Approved several budget amendments.
• Proclaimed Oct. 23-31, 2010, as Young Marines Red Ribbon Week to show support for a drug-free environment.