FORD COUNTY
JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
February 5, 2004

5:30 p.m. Extension Conference Room

Members Present: Lowell Brakey (Chairman), Arlen Eaton, Phil Derstein, Bud Estes, John Curtis, and Brent Schrader

Members Absent: Mike Bosley (excused), Ron Temaat (excused), Terry Janson (excused), Lee Cole (excused), Grant Powers (excused).

Staff: Darlene Hemphill and Mike Gurnee

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
John Curtis was present during the November 6 meeting—update in notes. John Curtis moved to recommend approval of the November 6, 2003 as amended. Arlene Eaton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business
None

New Business
Mike reviewed the bylaws and suggested changes. One of the provisions in the bylaws says that officers are elected at a July meeting; therefore, election of officers was rescheduled until that time.

Mike recommended changes on page 2 – under annual meeting. We say that the chair can succeed the office for one additional term. Section 2 on page 2 – this commission doesn’t approve ordinances, so it should be changed to “resolutions.” Discussion followed concerning the time and frequency of meeting. The following changes were recommended:

· Change the bylaws to read once a month meetings occurring the first Tuesday of the month (the chairman will most likely continue to cancel every other month as there is no need for meeting). Leave the time off. The public will know the day, and they can contact the office to find out the time.

Arlene Eaton motioned to approve the bylaws as amended. Bud Estes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Lowell Brakey raised concern with the lack of sidewalks from Beeson School to Lazy Acres or subdivisions across the street. According to Alan Cunningham, there are 127 students that attend USD 443 from Lazy Acres. Approximately 30 attend Beeson School. In addition, the zoning board is reviewing a new development placed to the west of Lazy Acres. Based upon expectations, there could be 30-40 or more children attending Beeson School. This board needs to study this issue and make a suggestion to both Ford County and Dodge City to consider doing something to protect children along the roadway. If nothing is done, there could be a legal liability if someone is killed or injured. When issues such as this arise, ask the various departments involved to explain future plans and ask why nothing has been done. The city has added sidewalks to all schools except for Beeson. The subdivisions to the east are inside city limits.

Discussion followed including results of a previous letter written concerning the Catholic Church, and what the jurisdiction and objective of this commission is. The board discussed the ethanol plant that is going into Jetmore/Hodgeman County. Hodgeman county appears to be the wrong place as Dodge City could better accommodate this business. A cotton gin could also be added to this area. Other issues: no speed limit on Garnett Road or 113 Road.

Brent made a motion to invite the Economic Development Corporation to attend the next meeting. They would like to know what items they are actively pursuing in the short and long term (3 years, 5 years, and 10 years). Bud Estes seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Brent made a motion to invite a representative from both the county and city to attend the June meeting to address the school sidewalk issues for pedestrian children going to Beeson School and the road. Phil Derstein seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

Discussion followed concerning Comanche Street in Dodge City and the possible extension to the west to Highway 50. In order to gain access the state must grant access for an additional intersection. Discussion followed regarding surveying on the south bypass of Dodge City.

Lowell Brakey encouraged the commission to be looking outward to see where they can turn the light on and what they can be doing.

Notices and Communications
None

Reports
None

Adjournment
Bud Estes moved that the meeting be adjourned. Phil Derstein seconded the motion.

The meeting adjourned.

_______________________________       __________________________

Lowell Brakey, Chairman                             Darlene Hemphill, Secretary

FORD COUNTY
JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
April 1, 2004

5:30 p.m. Extension Conference Room

Members Present: Lowell Brakey (Chairman), Phil Derstein, Grant Powers, Arlen Eaton, Mike Bosley, Ron Temaat, Bud Estes, John Curtis, Terry Janson, Brent Schrader

Members Absent: Lee Cole

Staff: Darlene Hemphill and Tracey Barton

Staff Absent: Mike Gurnee, Dennis Veatch

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Upon the motion by John Curtis and seconded by Arlen Eaton, moved to approve the February 1, 2004 meeting notes. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business
None

New Business
Joann Knight and Bob Wetmore of Dodge City, Ford County Development Corporation were invited to participate in the meeting. Lowell Brakey read from the last meeting’s notes that the group was interested in determining what businesses they are actively pursuing in the short and long term (3 years, 5 years, and 10 years). The group was also interested in finding out about the ethanol plant that is to be placed in Hodgeman County.

Knight stated, “The ethanol plant has hit a hurdle for placement in Hodgeman County.” Ethanol plant requirements include a railway, and the railway through Jetmore was recently removed. Therefore, the corporation is working on a possible Dodge City acquisition.

Knight and Wetmore provided a handout to each member of the joint planning group that included various statistics that is presented to prospective businesses.

Wetmore, who participates in the agricultural side of business acquisition, stated that a cotton gin has not yet been developed in western Kansas. In order to do so, additional local support is needed. A new committee was established with the primary focus of attracting dairy businesses. Dairies have exceeded capacity in the northwest states (Idaho, Oregon, Washington). The movement proceeded to Arizona and then to New Mexico, which is also nearly full. The next logical place for the dairies to move is to western Kansas. Dairies are being forced by residents to leave Indiana and Ohio—many have relocated to Iowa. In addition, dairies are moving to the United States from the Netherlands. Wetmore stated that the committee is working to pre-qualify dairies to assist with a quick execution when a site is selected. He added that if the committee is aware of any possible sites, to stay in touch with him. One section can hold 2400 dairy cattle. The water requirements are significantly higher with dairy cattle than with beef cattle.

Brakey added that the county does not have any requirements as dairy businesses are qualified as “agricultural”; however, there are regulations established by KDHE. Hemphill added that the only possible concern would be if the proposed site was in a floodplain. There are regulations concerning manure hauling and feedlots, including setback requirements for the placement of homes in relation to the dairy site.

Wetmore also stated that a cheese plant is being considered, and he noted that eighty percent of all dairy products are purchased by Wal-Mart and Dean Martin Foods. Cheese plants are currently in demand.

Concerning attracting other types of businesses, Knight stated that many businesses are consolidating rather than relocating. She suggested that the majority of success is to help existing businesses expand.

Powers stated that if our beef packing plants would ever close, it would mean a significant population decrease as no other business in Dodge City could accommodate the number of employees. He asked what the Dodge City, Ford County Development Corporation is doing to accommodate this. Knight responded that the two packing plants located in Dodge have state-of-the-art buildings. It is important for them to keep the facility up-to-date, which will prevent them from leaving. Joann suggested developing entrepreneurship within the population base as well as focusing on tourism. Wetmore added that agricultural and tourism are the biggest strengths of Dodge City and Ford County.

Discussion continued concerning possible businesses that may be moving into the area. Brakey added that he hopes that the city will consider annexing additional property to be developed. If the group is interested, Wetmore offered to provide a quarterly report to this group.

Knight also alerted the group that there is $5,000 available grant money for improvements to dilapidated property for those who cannot afford improvement.

Notices and Communications
Staff alerted the group that Gerhard Gerdes resigned his position on the zoning board. Applications are available to anyone who may be interested.

Reports
Staff said that there is a flood mitigation plan meeting coming up. She will keep this group informed. Also, a consultant has been contracted to review and revise existing counting zoning regulations.

Brakey said that the zoning board is reviewing a manufactured home park plan to be placed west of Lazy Acres. This low-income housing project will accommodate approximately 700 people. The Developer has selected 109 Road, and the board will most likely require the developer to pave the road. The development will connect to city water and sewer. This addition should be annexed by the city. The county should not be required to sustain them (EMS, fire, police, etc.)

The next meeting is set for June 3 where we will address sidewalks with the Public Works Director. Joe Finley and Ed Elam will be invited.

Adjournment
Upon the motion made by Arlen Eaton and seconded by Grant Powers moved to adjourn the meeting, the vote being unanimous.

There being no further business to come before the planning board, said board adjourned.

___________________________

Lowell Brakey, Chairman

FORD COUNTY
JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
August 12, 2004

5:30 p.m. Extension Conference Room

Members Present: Ron Temaat (Vice-Chairman), Arlen Eaton, Grant Powers, Lee Cole, Phil Derstein, Brent Schrader

Members Absent: Mike Bosley, Bud Estes, John Curtis, Terry Janson

Staff: Mark Shriwise, Mike Gurnee, and Tracey Barton

Special Guests: Joe Finley, Ed Elam, and Lowell Brakey

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Upon the motion by Arlen Eaton and seconded by Grant Powers, moved to approve the April 1, 2004 meeting notes. The motion passed unanimously.

Old Business
None

New Business
Lowell Brakey presented concerns regarding the lack of sidewalks to Beeson School. This committee is looking for a way for the county and city to work together to provide sidewalks to Beeson School. In addition, there is a conditional use permit for an additional subdivision that would cause additional children to possibly attend Beeson School. A rough cost estimate for the sidewalks is $6-8/square foot. Drainage issues present an additional challenge. The most dangerous time of year for children to walk to school near the road is right before and during daylight savings time. Cars have been seen swerving to miss children who are walking on the road.

Elam reported that the county does not have a fund for school sidewalks. The development (Westwind) on 109 Road halted because they do not have plans to pave the road. Neither the township nor the county can afford the expense.

Joe reported that the city spent one month in the area, and the most kids they counted on Beeson was five. Several years ago, the city installed sidewalks for schools from the general fund. Since then, the city revised their regulations and made the schools responsible for their own sidewalks. The majority of children who would be walking are county residents. Finley suggested reducing the speed limit for a school zone. He also said they have recommended that JAG Construction and Dodge City Sand use McArtor Road rather than Beeson but have not been successful.

The topic is tabled until the next meeting in October, when school is in session. Arlen Eaton will provide a report, as he drives on the road daily.

Elam reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan.

Grant Powers recommended that in addition to approving the plan to ask the committee to consider upgrading 117 Road between Highway 400 and Highway 283. Many semi trucks use the road rather than the highway. Elam agreed to submit the improvement suggestion for the capital improvement plan.

Upon the motion by Arlen Eaton and seconded by Lee Cole, moved to recommend approval of the capital improvement plan, the motion passed unanimously.

Election of Officers

John Curtis was nominated as chairman, and the nomination passed unanimously. Lee Cole was nominated as vice chairman, which also passed unanimously. Mark Shriwise was appointed as secretary.

Adjournment
There being no further business to come before the planning board, said board adjourned at 6:30 p.m.

_________________________________ __________________________

Ron Temaat, Vice Chairman                               Mark Shriwise