By Dennis Minich
Three Rules Ministry had a 10-year special permit approved last week for a 22-bed facility to expand the services of Joshua House. The structure will be built at 2000 Anaconda Rd.
Joshua House is a group boarding home for men attempting to recover from alcohol, drugs or other dependencies. An eight-bed home has been in operation for two years, but Jeff Parham, the founder of Three Rules Ministry, said there is more demand that the current structure can provide for.
During public hearings and zoning, Parham answered a number of questions concerning the men who will be housed and how the program is operated. The only question raised at the June 3 meeting came from Harrisonville Police Chief John Hofer who questioned if this could increase problems with the homeless in the city.
Parham responded, “Homelessness is a totally different issue. These men are working to not be homeless.”
He added the residents are usually from the area.
The permit was approved 6-0. Aldermen Brad Bockelman and Dan Doerhoff were absent.
Also, by a 6-0 vote, the replatting of land at Mechanic and Winchester streets was approved, allowing Aldi Stores to use part of the land and look to sell or lease the other part of the tract. Aldi plans to have a store in place sometime in 2020.
The board also approved 6-0 and ordinance allowing for videoconferencing of board meetings. Members can now participate in meetings from other locations on a limited basis.
The board also approved about $550,000 for the fire department to purchase a new pumper truck.
The board also held a public hearing on new zoning laws relative to marijuana growing, manufacture and sales. Because of some possible changes, a final vote was delayed until the next meeting.
In other business the board approved the reappointment of Ed Roberts and Brent Caruthers to the park board; approved special-use permits for the Harrisonville Schools Foundation 5K event Sept. 14; listened as the city was presented a check for $8,237 from the Missouri Public Utility Alliance for a power infrastructure grant; and watched as Mayor Judy Bowman and State Rep. Donna Pfautsch each presented proclamations honoring Harrisonville High School graduate Briana Chiodini for being accepted to the United States Naval Academy.
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