Volunteers for committees wanted

LONGVILLE - Cass County has started advertising for citizen volunteers to participate in planning an update to the county's comprehensive plan.

Anyone interested in appointment to the comprehensive plan committees must apply to the county using a citizen appointment application on the county Web site, www.co.cass.mn.us, by Sept. 10.

The existing comprehensive plan was developed through recommendations of citizens serving on water, private land use, public land use and public infrastructure planning committees. A similar format will be used for the update.

Cass also will update the comprehensive local water management plan in the coming year.

Environmental Services Director John Sumption reported that new construction permits are down so far this year when compared with 2005 and 2006, but 2007 applications for variances and additions to existing buildings are running about the same as 2006. Permits issued for additions and improvements to existing buildings in 2006 and 2007 have exceeded the number issued in 2005.

Land-use permits issued for new buildings or additions to existing buildings continued the second quarter of 2007 to be highest in central Cass County and in Sylvan Township around Pillager.

The department issued 47 land-use permits in Woodrow, 33 in Sylvan, 28 in Ponto Lake, 25 in Birch Lake, 24 in Shingobee and 23 in Turtle Lake Township. There were 22 land-use permits issued in Crooked Lake Township near Outing.