The future of the Emporia Enterprises economic development board is in question, but Lyon County commissioners moved to fill an open spot on that board as part of their action meeting Thursday.
Commissioners voted unanimously to install Olpe banker Kevin Flott to a three-year term, effective immediately and ending New Year’s Eve 2027. Commission Chair Rollie Martin says this was an important move for the county.
Flott replaces Hartford banker Pat Wiederholt on the board.
An external economic development study by Vision First has suggested the end of Emporia Enterprises, which works in conjunction with the Regional Development Association of East Central Kansas when it comes to real estate for mid-size and larger-size economic development projects. If the Vision First recommendations are fully realized, the RDA will absorb Emporia Enterprises.
Martin is retiring from the County Commission in early January, but he says the county will take a more active role in economic development matters because the economy needs to expand countywide.
In unrelated matters, county commissioners voted unanimously to return a conditional use permit request involving an event space at 1027 Road 70 just west of Olpe. The property owner, Danielle Cottman, has requested the zoning change after renovation work on an implement barn and other work to install restrooms and short-term lodging. However, several people spoke up in opposition to the request as part of the Lyon County Planning and Appeals Board meeting Dec. 11, with concerns about alcohol use, off-street parking availability, overall traffic and a general sense the project “doesn’t fit the neighborhood.” The Planning and Appeals Board had originally voted on approving the request, but the motion died for lack of a second. The item was presented to the County Commission as recommended denial, but there was no official vote by Planning and Appeals after the first motion died.
The Planning and Appeals Board will now meet to get additional information on the request. It is unclear when it will reappear before the planning board.
