Kenneth Cook

This 2004 Comprehensive Plan for Miami County, Kansas, serves as a guide for future development, aiming to balance growth with the preservation of its rural culture and natural resources. Key priorities include strategically planning infrastructure, protecting unique natural resources, enhancing agriculture, and attracting regional businesses to diversify the tax base. The plan emphasizes managing growth by directing higher-density development to cities while preserving the rural character of unincorporated areas through goals related to agricultural preservation, orderly residential development, economic diversification, and the development of transportation and park systems, with a vision for controlled growth and an improved quality of life by 2025.

The Miami County Planning Commission meeting on December 1, 2020, addressed several key items. The commission discussed and recommended amendments to the zoning regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), focusing on definitions, performance standards, and their allowance in various districts. They also considered a petition to vacate setbacks and easements on Lot 3 of Aiken Acres Subdivision, aiming to align with current regulations and floodplain locations. Additionally, the commission reviewed an application to rezone a property from Countryside (CS) to Commercial (C-2) to allow for additional activities at the Midway Drive-in, including swap meets.

The meeting addressed draft amendments to zoning regulations for billboard signs, the final plat of Greg's Place, and a request to rezone from C-O to C-1 for a Rural Water District facility. The commission also reviewed a conditional use permit for an equestrian event arena and discussed potential amendments to zoning and subdivision regulations, including common access easement requirements, sign regulations, and telecommunications regulations.

The meeting included an update on upgrading radios for Fire District 1 due to the county's new radio system, with discussions on the costs and options for reprogramming or replacing the Kenwood radios. Chairman Roberts mentioned exploring the possibility of combining Fire Board meetings with regularly scheduled Commission meetings or moving them to Wednesday mornings.

The meeting involved the swearing in of a new commissioner, a discussion of potential conflicts of interest, and the approval of the agenda. Key agenda items included a continued public hearing on zoning regulations amendments (billboard signs), and new business items. General discussion included possible future amendments to zoning and subdivision regulations, covering common access easements, sign regulations, telecommunications regulations, and height limits for antennas. A comprehensive plan update was also discussed, including upcoming workshops and work sessions.