Township of Gasper

The meeting covered procedural items, including the approval of the agenda and the oath/affirmation administered to those wishing to speak. The primary focus was Case 1637, an application submitted by Stephen A. Pope on behalf of Larry E. and Angelia A. Venable. The proposal seeks to divide a total of 6.446 acres into two parcels: one approximately 4.5 acres reclassified under the Special Use Provision of Agricultural zoning for a proposed new single-family home, and the remaining parcel reclassified to Restricted Rural Residential. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between Special Use Agricultural zoning (allowing farm animals on tracts between 3 and 40 acres) and Residential zoning. The Planning Commission had approved the case 6 to 0. The Commission subsequently voted 4 to 0 to approve Case 1637 and forward it to the County Commissioners for a hearing scheduled for March 4th. The Director's Report was presented as written.

The Preble County Planning Commission meeting addressed multiple applications involving land use changes and parcel divisions. Key agenda items included the approval of Case 1638, allowing for the separation of 5.001 acres under the Special Use Provision of Agricultural zoning for a proposed new single-family home. Case 1639 involved the reclassification of approximately 5.124 acres from Planned Highway Service and Agricultural to Highway Service zoning to facilitate the demolition of existing residential structures and the expansion of filling station services, including new fuel pumps. Case 1640 was approved, which involved separating a homestead consisting of two homes and outbuildings onto a 5.001-acre tract, with the remaining farmland also reclassified. Case 1641 involved splitting 42.403 acres, with the south half designated for a new single-family home, both resulting tracts to be reclassified to Special Use Provision. Case 1642 involved reclassifying 3.569 acres from Special Use Provision to Rural Residential through a split that conveyed 1.192 acres to an abutting neighbor to consolidate their property. Finally, the commission approved a replat for Pilot Travel Centers, LLC to combine three tracts previously rezoned to Highway Service into one parcel and dedicate a 5-foot strip of right-of-way along Hazelwood Drive for future widening.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting primarily involved public hearings for various permit requests and variances. Case 5718, seeking a Temporary Use Permit for a short-term rental (B&B) on agricultural zoned land, was approved for a one-year period. Case 5719 was tabled until the following month. Renewals for Temporary Use Permits were approved for Case 5721 (outdoor storage buildings and office space) for two years, Case 5722 (saw mill operation) for two years, Case 5723 (auto repair business) for two years, Case 5724 (short-term rental) for one year, and Case 5726 (short-term rental in a long-term rental property) for one year. Case 5725 requested variances for rear, side, and front setbacks to construct a shed and a replacement garage, which was approved. Case 5727 sought a permit renewal for using existing structures as rental storage space (warehouses), which was approved for two years, with support voiced by a former operator. Case 5728 involved a variance request for a reduced south side setback for a proposed detached structure, which was approved. Finally, Case 5720, which requested a Conditional Use Permit for a recreational pitch and putt golf course, walking trails, and short-term leasing for corporate team-building events, was formally withdrawn by the applicant after significant testimony from concerned neighbors regarding increased traffic, potential liability, and light/noise pollution affecting their privacy and property values.

The agenda for this regular session includes financial considerations such as authorizing payments for Wireless 9-1-1, Sheriff, and JFS expenses, approving fund transfers between various departments, and authorizing expenditures for the purchase of a Honda Odyssey for Children Services and a 2026 Grader and DJI M400 with payload for the Engineer department. Correspondence items include noting the receipt of letters regarding a new hire and a promotion, noting a Sheriff's letter regarding an employee's end of probation, and considering approval for a Group Excess Loss Insurance application. Agreements and Contracts slated for consideration or receipt include an Interlocal Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with HGAC-Buy, and several IV-D service agreements (Legal, Clerking, Magistrate) with the Common Pleas Court and Juvenile Court, along with an amendment to a Legal Services agreement with MMPI Consulting. The agenda also includes numerous travel request approvals and scheduled meetings for Monthly Grant Updates, JFS Monthly Meeting, and Personnel review.

The agenda for the regular session covered several items, including noting receipt of a court entry regarding probate magistrate fees for January 2026. Financial considerations involved approving payments for Children Services, CSEA, and other funds, as well as expenditures for purchasing a recycler/reclaimer for the Engineer department and updating Next Gen 9-1-1 infrastructure fees. Correspondence included noting receipt of the PCSWCD meeting agenda, personnel changes within the Sheriff's office and Clerk of Courts, and considering approval for ending probation and accepting resignations. The Commission planned to issue a proclamation honoring the 100th anniversary of Eaton Community Church and consider appointments to the Preble County LEPC Board and the Preble County Loss Control Committee. Agreements included an addendum to the Liquid Petroleum Agreement and a construction agreement for the West Alexandria Water Transmission Main Phase 1. Travel requests for EMA, Engineer, and Commission staff were also slated for approval.