Reported by Marcia Walters, LWV
Commissioner Minick was absent.
At the beginning of each Work Session meeting, the floor is open to
public comments. At this meeting Debra Sullivan spoke in favor of raising
fees for CUPs, including gravel pits, so that future development in Rice
County "does not come at the expense of average citizens." Her comments were in response to an earlier meeting where several commissioners expressed that they were not in favor of increasing fees. As Sullivan, a regular observer at
Rice County meetings, observed, "the new zoning regulations have opened up
Rice County to increasing development."
The contract and public involvement plan from Bolton & Menk, Inc.,
that was selected as the Transportation Plan consultant in August, was
approved. The plan calls for a Project Advisory Committee with 12 total
representatives to provide input to the plan. While the representatives will be
appointed by each community grouping, it seemed to be the feeling that the makeup of the committee would be elected officials. Public input will hopefully
be welcomed at a later stage.
Commissioner Olson suggested that zoning interpretations are needed due to
the confusion of the recently enacted new zoning ordinances. It was felt by
the commissioners that the Planning and Zoning Committee would be
the appropriate vehicle to screen problems brought by citizens, then the
Board could change those ordinance it felt needed correction.
Also, there will be meetings in each township in October to discuss
the new zoning ordinances.
When the next item, an update on the courthouse remodel planning was
introduced, my reaction was why do this now in a time of severe
budget cuts. However, as more of the issues involved were discussed it became
apparent why this was being looked at. The present configuration of the
courthouse is lacking in safety, accessibility and needs work done on problem
areas.
The architects will be presenting cost estimates at later date.quote>
