By Lucky Kidd
McPHERSON, Kan. — McPherson County Commissioners approved a zoning change Monday for a property at the northeast corner of 16th and Mohawk Road, where Tim Cheatham is proposing to construct an RV storage facility and a construction yard at which some concrete crushing will be done. This item was tabled last week to allow Commissioner David O’Dell to hear the case.
As Ad Astra News reported earlier petitions were filed opposing the zoning change from agricultural transition to light industrial, which would require an unanimous approval by the Commission. Planning and Zoning Administrator John Kinsey said only one petition was valid within the 1000 feet protest zone provided by state law, with others disqualified because not all owners of properties listed on the deed signed petitions for their property.
Landowner Daryl Larson again questioned whether the notifications were valid, as it relates to one property in particular with two owners… data used to determine ownership had four listed. Had the one owner who signed a petition been able to protest her property interest, the 20 percent threshold would have been met.
Shanna Henry, who is the property owner in question, continued to insist her protest petition should count, also noting she personally never received any notifications about this, along with errors on records that were used. Henry asked Commissioners to table action on the request pending answer of her questions.
Cheatham said he is providing McPherson Township an additional 17 feet of right of way to accommodate a future expansion of 16th Road, and that the township is planning to relocate a bridge on that road to address drainage issues. Commissioner O’Dell also noted the comprehensive plan for the city of McPherson targets that area for commercial and industrial growth.
The Commission’s decision can be appealed to the District Court within 30 days of publication of the resolution of this action, which is expected to be next week.
The Commission approved purchase of additional steel for a new crossing on Pioneer Road west of 27th Avenue. This purchase is for the other half of steel for the project, the first half approved earlier. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks is covering half of the just over $5,300 cost involved.
Commissioners also approved the appointment of Paulette Hidvegi and Jamie Makatche to the Community Mental Health Advisory Committee, designation of Chairman Keith Becker as voting delegate for the Kansas Association of Counties annual meeting, and reimbursement of $11,975 to Saline County Rural Water District 7 from allocated ARPA funds for cellular meter reader purchases for their McPherson County customers.
