MARBLE HILL, Mo. -- Marble Hill's board of aldermen will serve as the city's planning and zoning board until such a board can be re-established.

The planning and zoning board no longer exists because some members have moved or are in ill health.

The aldermen met in special session Friday afternoon to make the decision because the city recently needed the planning and zoning board's services.

City administrator Ron Lutes said a potential business has requested a zoning map for the city. The city does not have an approved and updated zoning map.

"I contacted Semo Regional Planning for a copy of the old zoning map," Lutes said. "They have it only on Mylar and no in-house way of copying it. I currently have a digital copy of the proposed map, but also don't have an in-house way of copying it."

The proposed map was drawn up several years ago, Lutes said, but the planning and zoning board in place at the time wanted to drive around the town to ensure its accuracy. It never did, and the board dwindled.

When aldermen voted Friday to assume the board's duties, it also agreed Lutes would post a copy of the proposed map on his office wall, and aldermen would come in and examine it before they vote to approve it at a future meeting.

The aldermen agreed once the map has been approved, planning and zoning ordinances need to be reviewed.

Lutes said he does not know which business wants a zoning map. All he knows is a locating service contacted him on behalf of a wireless Internet service provider he speculated may seek permits to put up towers or some antennas and needs a zoning map.

Once there is a map, the aldermen acting as the planning and zoning board would have to study, report and recommend action to themselves as the board of aldermen, who then would hold a public meeting on the requested permits.

The board of aldermen is encouraging anyone who wishes to serve on the planning and zoning board to contact city hall. Until one is formed, the board will meet as aldermen on regular meeting nights first, then adjourn and meet as the planning and zoning board.

The planning and zoning board requires five people, including the mayor, city administrator and one alderman. The board should be made up of Marble Hill residents, but the city will consider other Bollinger County residents who apply, especially those who own businesses in Marble Hill.

"This is not just a voting board; it is a working board," Lutes said. "We need to have people who are willing to donate time and some knowledge."

Pertinent address:

Marble Hill, Mo.