New regulations approved by county commission
After more than a year of preparation, proposed zoning and subdivision regulations were approved Monday by Marion County Commission.
Prior to the approval, David Brazil, county planning and zoning director, asked members of the commission if they were prepared to make a decision regarding the updated regulations.
Commissioner Howard Collett asked if the overlay for wind farm generation only pertained to the designated area. Brazil responded applications would only be considered within the overlay district.
Collett asked what would happen if applications for wind power generation were made in other locations within the county.
"I would like to see the wind farms stay out of the pristine areas," Brazil said. He added transmission lines limit location of wind farms.
Commission chairman Leroy Wetta asked Brazil how the county's overlay would affect the state's map, not yet completed.
Brazil assured the commission the county's plan would not contradict the state's plan.
Collett asked if the regulations could be amended by the incoming commission. Brazil said as long as the changes "reasonably" follow the county's comprehensive plan, changes could be made.
Frank Funk of Topeka asked Brazil if there was a particular company interested in developing a wind farm.
Brazil responded there was not. Funk, a representative of Frick Farms said he was not opposed to wind farms being on tilled ground but would rather not see them in the Flint Hills.
Brazil also reported preparations of the county's former landfill for closure was near completion.
He anticipated a preliminary plan from the county's consultant, Jack Chapelle for closure plans.
In other business:
— Carol Maggard, county clerk, reported that Diedre Serene, county health department administrator, and staff will continue to provide flu shot clinics.
Upcoming clinics will be Thursday at Florence ambulance building, Friday at Tampa Senior Center, and Tuesday at Hillsboro Senior Center.
Only residents who meet the high risk criteria in the communities hosting the clinic will be permitted to receive the vaccine.
County health personnel have provided vaccines at Marion Senior Center, Bethesda Home in Goessel, Goessel Senior Center, Marion Manor, St. Luke Hospital and Living Center, Hillsboro Community Medical Center and Long Term Care Unit, Parkside Homes, Legacy Park Nursing Home, and Westview Nursing Home in Peabody, Burns Community Center, and Peabody Elementary School.
— A voucher from Flint Hills Resource, Conservation, and Development District will be paid to the RC&D district when receipts have been presented.
The commission approved the expenditure, up to $2,000, for expenses related to an agritourism conference held this past Friday and Saturday at Tampa.
Maggard referred to the previous minutes which stated the funds would be expended with vouchers.
— Maggard presented the special auto budget expenses for September totaling $2,169.
— Acting county road and bridge superintendent Jim Herzet reported Indigo Road was to be completed by today (Wednesday). Boxed culverts also were being set this week by county crews.
Collett asked if Limestone, south of Tampa, was planned for repairs. Hein said 150th also was in need of repair. Herzet said crews would rock patch the roads.
The commission approved a salary change for Phillip Bowen as acting road foreman.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Friday at the courthouse.
