County approves zoning changes
Planning commission will review at August meeting
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission approved to accept some zoning changes Monday as recommended by David Brazil, county zoning administrator, and Jim Kaup, zoning consultant.
Commissioner Dan Holub made a motion to accept recommendations pertaining to no new county roads as a result of the structure and abandoned farm sites. Accepted lot splits would be for three acres instead of the recommended five, and maximum net density would be considered 16 houses on a section of 640 acres instead of one house per 40 acres.
"Why take two acres more out of production than necessary?" asked Holub.
Commission chairman Bob Hein said McPherson County allowed housing construction on three acres of agriculture land.
Holub also asked Brazil to look at ways to limit livestock in smaller developed areas, and redefine net density in the comprehensive plan.
Commissioner Randy Dallke seconded the motion with the additions of a disclaimer for those constructing residences in agriculture areas, and time limits for development.
Brazil said he was concerned that there were some areas, due to the lay of the land, that may need more than three acres for improvements such as sewer and water. He added he will continue to evaluate applications for zoning changes and lot splits through LESA (Land Evaluation and Site Assessment) to determine eligibility.
Holub asked Brazil the difference of land being taken out of agriculture production for hunting areas and land being taken out of production for housing. Brazil said if it was a business, it would require a conditional use permit.
A letter will be submitted to the county's planning commission for review at its Aug. 25 meeting.
County landfill closure
Consultant Jack Chappelle reported more fill was needed for holes found in a privately-owned landfill located next to the county's landfill.
Numerous holes, caused by settling, were discovered in a landfill that was closed prior to 1996.
"There is no delineation between the two landfills," said Chappelle. "It's not fair to the county to be responsible for issues from the previous landfill not owned by the county."
He said it was not equitable for the county to place a new cover on the old, privately owned landfill.
Chappelle recommended county road and bridge personnel use county equipment to fill designated holes. Unruh Excavating currently is filling the county's landfill with fill dirt.
In a week, Chappelle said county crews could fill the sink holes before the final cap is placed on the entire landfill.
Jim Herzet, county road and bridge superintendent, agreed to the request.
It also was determined that the perimeter of uncovered refuse was larger than originally determined.
"When we went to clear the area, we went further than anticipated," Chappelle said. "Kansas Department of Health and Environment require a cover over every area of exposed waste beyond the limits of the cell."
The original design of the cover was completed by KDHE in the 1990s.
Sufficient fill dirt is available on the county's property adjacent to the county's landfill area.
The county's surveyor will be contacted by Brazil to provide an exact legal description of the landfill site.
A bladed road around the landfill to monitor wells was discussed. Chappelle recommended the road to deter driving on the landfill cover. Herzet recommended county funds be saved and not construct a graveled road.
The commission will make a decision regarding a road at a later date when the landfill closure has been completed.
