City and county staff are set to begin looking into ways to potentially “streamline” the zoning process for city developments beyond the city limits.
That was a major talking point for both city and county commissioners when they convened for their latest joint session Wednesday afternoon. Following roughly 30 minutes of conversation, commissioners gave direction for City Zoning Administrator Justin Givens and County Zoning and Floodplain Manager Sam Seeley to meet with city and county legal counsel to begin developing recommendations for a process or board that could help oversee the matter.
Givens did present a few possible ideas to that end Wednesday, but says when it comes to developing the right path forward in coming weeks, they’ll be open to just about anything and everything.
Audio PlayerFollowing Wednesday’s meeting, KVOE News spoke with City Commissioner Jamie Sauder who believes the city and county should look at re-establishing a modified interlocal agreement, noting the size of the metro planning area could be altered for starters.
Audio PlayerWhen asked his thoughts on the matter, Lyon County Commissoner Doug Peck stated he’s not sure a new process is needed as he feels zoning is already streamlined enough.
Audio PlayerThis is not a new topic for the city and county; in fact, it has seen several rounds of discussion since the termination of the interlocal agreement back in July of 2021.
Word on when the governing boards will revisit the topic is currently pending.
In other matters Wednesday, commissioners also began discussing ways that the city and county can help to reduce their joint mill levy. The reason for the discussions, broached by City Manager Trey Cocking, is the fact that the joint mill levy is on the “higher end” when it comes to other communities of similar size.
Audio PlayerCocking says the city is only looking for a mild roughly five to six mill decrease at this time.
Wednesday’s joint meeting followed the Emporia City Commission’s regular action session, during which commissioners approved a resolution approving project authorization for public improvements related to the SE transmission water main project, which is getting set to enter its final phase of work possibly by the end of this month. If you recall to last month, the city noted it would need to increase it’s original budget by $6 to $7 million due to rising inflation and the uncertainty of federal tariffs, which drove up the total price tag of the project from $15 million to $21 million between 2020 and 2025.
While commissioners have authorized the ability to issue an additional $7 million in General Obligation Bonds for the necessary improvements, their hope is that the state of Kansas will approve the city’s desire to add the $7 million to its current KDHE loan, with the GO Bonds serving as a backup.
Separately Wednesday, commissioners approved a franchise agreement between Emporia and Kansas Gas Service as well as the schedule for the city’s 2025 Spring Landfill Day,s which will take place between April 26th and May 4th.
The Emporia City Commission will next convene on Wednesday, April 16, inside the Municipal Courtroom at White Auditorium.
