Mike Beneke, owner of Double B Cattle of Lincolnville, was granted a 30-day extension to remove about 8 million pounds of silage from his property at 601 W. Main St., at a hearing Sept. 16. City administrator Roger Holter said Monday that it’s his understanding that if the silage isn’t removed, the city will do it at Beneke’s expense.
“The city has attempted to administer the laws of the city in a fair and consistent manner,” he said.
“Our goal has remained consistent throughout the process and remains unchanged.”
At the first hearing Aug. 30, Holter said this was a safety concern to include it being a fire hazard because of its proximity to residences.
Holter said: “It’s also in the flood plain, which implicates surface and ground water.”
Another concern was the height of the pile and that it wasn’t covered, leaving it open for flies and other animals to access.
But, being in the city limits, covered or not, it was still in violation of the ordinance. Holter added: “On behalf of the citizens, we simply want Mr. Beneke to remove the illegally deposited 8 million pounds of decaying material that creates safety and health concerns for our community.
“Residents did not choose to live in a feed processing area which was created by a single individual desiring to impose his will upon the community for commercial gain.”
(Read more: Hillsboro Free Press)