Pottawatomie County Commissioners have a new Chair, with the reorganizational meeting Monday resulting in Dee McKee as the new Chair and Stan Hartwich as the Vice Chair. The group also voted 2-1 to move Blue Valley and Olsburg back into District Three, which is Hartwich’s district–to more evenly balance the populations among the districts. McKee opposed the move since that’s from her growing district, but indicated verbally she’s okay with the change.
Prior to the reorganization the commissioners approved a high dollar item as recommended by Public Works Director Peter Clark, but at a savings according to former chair Pat Weixleman. Public works action included the purchase of a new motor grader for a price of $217,000, which included a rental agreement at the 2015 price. And a contract with J&K Contracters was approved for $157,000 for the water, sewer and streets of Brookridge II subdivision, just south of Louisville on Highway 99.
And the county received good news of an award for concrete work on the Whispering Meadow Subdivisions.
public works action included the purchase of a new motor grader for a price of 217-thousand dollars, which included a rental agreement at the 2015 price. And a contract with J&K Contracters was approved for 157-thousand dollars for the water, sewer and streets of Brookridge II subdivision, just south of Louisville on Highway 99.
And the county received good news of an award for concrete work on the Whispering Meadow Subdivisions.
Pottawatomie County’s Planner and Zoning Administrator had a proposal for commissioners Monday, with County Planner John Keller telling the group of planning commission activity supportive of an accessory dwelling amendment, which Keller says some many may think of as a mother-in-law-apartment.
Keller added the question might be why the change?, adding things are changing relatively quickly with people having more health concerns and living longer but with disabilities. He says we want to have more options for people,especially with the high cost of other living facilities.
But Keller says hopes are to do this in a way that keeps neighborhoods intact.
Following considerable discussion, commissioners approved the recommendation, with a suggested addition regarding requirements for applicants to review existing covenants, which the county counselor will add for final approval at the next meeting.
Commissioners Monday heard presentations from the County’s Emergency Management Director Chris Trudo, with the signing of the new Hazard Mitigation plan for the count. Scott Schwinn with environmental health, Register of Deeds Betty Abitz, County Appraiser Lois Schlegel, Jim Jenkins with public works, and Executive Director of Heartland Works David Brennan also made presentations.
