Logan County Board passes revised Conditional Use Ordinance, approves Whiteman as Animal Control Warden and Foley Assistant

[February 18, 2016]  LINCOLN - Board member Pat O'Neill, who is chairman of the Planning and Zoning Committee, made a motion to bring the Conditional Use Ordinance off display.

Board member Kevin Bateman made a motion to amend two sections of the ordinance. Bateman said he wants to add a section about volatile and toxic chemicals to the sections on factors to be considered for Conditional Use.

Bateman said they also need to strike out the wording about "substantial use" to show progress and change it to "sequential activity unique and inherent to work." He said he also wants to add wording about applicants letting them know about "other matters not within complete control of the applicant" so work may be suspended and not affect timing under the Sunset Clause.

Wright said he wants to caution the board about using the terms "other matters not within complete control of the applicant" since nothing is under someone's complete control.

Bateman said he would amend it by striking out "within complete control."

The motion for the amendments passed with eleven voting yes, and Farmer voting no.

Other motions and resolutions

The Board approved confirmation of Jane Whiteman as Animal Control Administrator and Warden, and Duane Foley as Assistant Animal Control Warden. The board agreed during a special Regular session in January to offer Whiteman and Foley the positions. Both have been full-time employees at Animal Control for a time.

The board unanimously approved the alternate route presented by County Engineer, Bret Aukamp, which will be included in a subsequent letter of understanding with IDOT to establish a revised detour route while the railroad crossing at 600 Street is replaced in rural Elkhart.

The Board voted to approve the resolution brought forward by Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Ruben for 'Designation of banks for Logan County Deposits.' Eleven voted yes and Ruben abstained.

The Board also unanimously approved a motion to rescind the Logan County Gaming Ordinance, returning gaming to inclusion within the Liquor License with no increase in the fee. Board member Scott Schaffenacker asked for more explanation of the ordinance.

Sally Turner said since the state took over gaming, counties have no oversight, so there is no need for an additional fee.

The Board unanimously approved a motion to extend the Electric Aggregation Contract until the end of April 2016. The contract was to expire in February, but there have been no bids to make on aggregation at this point.

Chairman's report

The Board authorized and signed a letter from Chairman Hepler to Governor Rauner expressing their gratitude for the Economic Development mechanism Rauner is setting up at the state level.

Chairman Hepler appointed Miles Craig to the Safety and Personnel Committees. Craig will also serve as a liaison to the newly created Veteran's Assistance Commission. Hepler said Craig would also be "an alternate to myself on the following Committees: Building and Grounds, Economic Development, Finance, Animal Control, and Insurance." The board approved all of the appointments.

The March Workshop would take place on Thursday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m.

[Angela Reiners]