County planners consider permit for salvage business

The McLeod County Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for the operation of a small salvage yard near Lester Prairie, but attached several conditions after hearing concerns of residents in the area.
The applicant is Calvin Dolezal, who would like to salvage and recycle vehicles, white goods and other products on a Klaustermeier farm just off County Road 23.
Neighbors and residents noted that the property is bordered by property within the city limits, and near neighbors include the new Glencoe Regional Health Services medical clinic and a new Casey’s convenience store.
Dolezal said he is aware of the aesthetic concerns of neighbors, and is already trying to put up a fence.
“We’re stepping up, getting ahead of it,” said Dolezal. He also said the business tries to move its vehicles and appliances through as quickly as possible, so that there was little or no stockpiling.
Resident Mary Ann Teubert said she was concerned about the impact on the city.
“I just don’t think this is the place to have it,” Teubert said. She added later that the city had “worked hard” to combat blight and unlicensed vehicles.
And Ed Mlynar said that while he also would prefer that the business not be located there, compromise would be best. He suggested a three-sided structure to hide the business site, which includes a small area of land and the use of part of a hog shed to store parts.

For more, see the March 30 print edition of The Chronicle.