Consultant will assist county with zoning issues
Marion County Commission held a teleconference Monday with Jim Kaup, the county's zoning consultant, regarding moving forward with zoning changes.
Kaup suggested numerous times to the commission that it should wait to hold the public hearing and make changes after a new planning and zoning person is hired. Regardless, the commission wants to continue to move forward with a public hearing so changes can be made in the coming months.
Eileen Sieger, chairman of Marion County Planning Commission, said the planning commission would be more comfortable having a staff person in place before making any zoning regulation changes.
"There are three people waiting to build," said commission chairman Dan Holub. He said he didn't want to delay development.
"We've had recommendations for a while," said Holub, referring to past public hearings and meetings to discuss the issues. "This is not a surprise to anyone."
Sieger said the planning commission was willing to have a public hearing to hear from the public but was not in favor of the changes. The planning commission will discuss the issues at its next meeting May 25. She reiterated the board would prefer to wait for a staff person if one could be hired in 30 to 60 days.
"A staff member is an important thing," said Kaup. "You have a very capable planning commission and can easily work through routine issues. It would be better to have a the new zoning administrator in place."
Kaup added he would be willing to attend the hearing and serve as an interim administrator.
"Aspects of the proposal (zoning changes) were drawn by David (Brazil) and myself and need to be explained," said Kaup, during the public hearing and to the new administrator.
"The new administrator would probably scratch his or her head, trying to figure out the changes," Kaup said.
Sieger voiced her concerns about preparing the public notice, and sending letters to specific people about the meeting. Kaup said it was not a legal requirement to have a zoning administrator present at the hearing but proper notice must be made.
"The timing is not good," said commissioner Randy Dallke, but wants to continue to move forward. He said he receives numerous phone calls from people wanting to move to Marion County and build houses on less than 40 acres.
"A month isn't a very long time," Dallke said, "but I'm eager to keep moving forward." He added he did not want to wait another year and a half before making changes.
Holub said he would feel "comfortable" in presenting information to the public at a public hearing. Kaup said both the commission and planning commission probably have an understanding of the proposed changes but there needs to be somebody to explain the current regulations and proposed changes.
"I can prepare a memorandum of the proposed changes," said Kaup.
Holub asked Kaup to assist with the hearing, even if an administrator is in the position.
It was determined that July would probably be the earliest for a hearing.
Kaup also offered to review applications, resumes, and check references of candidates for the administrator's position.
In other business:
— The commission will discuss options of adjusting charges for low-income housing units that currently are being charged $81 per unit per year for trash disposal.
Several housing authorities within the county have asked the commission to consider changing the fee schedule due to limited government subsidies being available to cover such expenses.
