Formation of a new council was the hot topic of conversation during the joint meeting of the Emporia City and Lyon County Commission Wednesday evening.
Representatives from Healthier Lyon County were on hand to present information to both entities regarding the goals of formulating a county food policy council, which are common in surrounding areas and are traditionally made up of participants representing all five areas of the food system.
Daphne Mertens with Healthier Lyon County says those are the individuals capable of making the biggest change.
Teresa Briggs, also of Healthier Lyon County explained a major issue is the lifespan of area children which is currently reducing rather than growing.
County Commissioner Scott Briggs believes addressing the food issue will produce profit for the community.
The City and County will both next meet with Healthier Lyon County separately to discuss the council further once each group has had time to read over the presented information.
Food deserts are another issue the Food Policy Council would look to address and is also encompassed within the City/County joint comprehensive plan. During the meeting, County Planning and Zoning Director Sam Seeley had an update on the plan and announced four days of workshops have been scheduled to help ascertain community input for the plan’s development.
Emporia Mayor Danny Giefer says the comprehensive plan is meant to serve as a roadmap, requiring input from all areas of the community.
The workshops will be held on the second floor of the Emporia Arts Centre located at 815 Commercial Street from Oct. 29 – Nov. 1.
Commissioners were also updated on a potential housing infill project and discussed the possibility of a parking lot expansion for White Auditorium in the future.
No action was taken on any items.
