October 11, 2012, By Pam Meagher, The Planning & Zoning Meeting was held at the Logan County Safety Complex on
October 3, 2012

Present: David Hepler; Robert Farmer; Bill Martin; Jan Schumacher; Chuck Ruben
Absent: Andy Meister
Guests: Will D’Andrea; Derek Hurley; Steve Schreiner; Blaine Olsen, Todd Turner

Mr. Hepler called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm.

A motion was made by Mrs. Schumacher, seconded by Mr. Farmer, to approve the minutes from the September 5, 2012 meeting as printed. Motion passed.

Old Business:
1) Quarry re-zoning: Mr. Hepler reported no action is being taken at this point. The full Board will consider a recommendation when it comes forward from the Zoning Board of Appeals. This will not happen until at least November. Mr. Olsen addressed the committee with his family’s concerns regarding the request. They have questions regarding traffic, water, dust and noise and have not gotten any response from Mr. Muck or Hanson. He asked the Board to take their time and consider all of the consequences of this re-zoning request and the impact on local residents. Mr. Hepler asked Mr. Olsen to provide a list of his questions and concerns to Mr. D’Andrea for further research. Mr. Olsen reported learning at a recent meeting that DNR will only regulate from a reclamation perspective after operations are complete, and monitor impact to waterways. Information he received indicated the County would regulate operations and any stipulations should be in place before the application was approved. Mr. Olsen asked the committee that careful consideration of potential impact be given before approving the request. He asserted it could potentially de-value his property, but Mr. Ruben disagreed. He indicated he understood the concerns, but believes the impact cannot be accurately anticipated at this time. Mr. Turner indicated that in other cases he has worked on in Springfield and Sangamon County, companies typically work with area landowners to address concerns and develop a plan to address those concerns.
2) Wind farm status: Mr. Hepler reported Sugar Creek One is still moving forward, possible for 2014.

New Business:
1) Regions Bank inspection: Mr. Hepler indicated Mr. Carlton asked the committee address a food inspection that was done at Regions Bank during their seventh annual chili cook-off. The event was shut down. This was in partnership with the Chamber and was a planned community event during the Homecoming parade. The Health Department indicated the State empowers them to regulate this activity. The concern is that this is the seventh year this has taken place and the Chamber members were all aware of the event. Mr. Carlton felt action was unreasonable. He will be asked to address this concern at the Health Department meeting. Mr. Hilliard indicated better communication about food regulations may need to be done.
2) NFIP notifications: Mr. D’Andrea reported the floodplain maps were digitized a couple of years ago. Re-validation letters were sent out stating that properties that had received Letter of Map Amendments in the past were still considered outside of the floodplain, even though the digitized maps may still show them to be in the floodplain. He is working with individual property owners to provide documentation showing they are not part of the flood plain.
3) Zoning (extraction) ordinance: Mr. D’Andrea indicated if this was done as a conditional use permit, the process would allow the County more control. However, conditional use permits require a specific use and a specific applicant. Logan County does not have a site review process like larger counties. That process would be where site concerns would be researched and addressed. As it is currently structured, those concerns would be addressed during the re-zoning process. Mr. Martin reported that issues were brought forward when he attended the original hearing and he began to question whether a zoning change is the right step. He feels the County needs to be satisfied that issues are addressed and he is not sure that can be done once a zoning change is approved. Concerns about the aquifer were discussed. Mr. Ruben indicated several studies have been done and he doesn’t feel this operation would impact the aquifer. Mr. Olsen disagreed and asked that experts address these questions and concerns. Mr. Hepler indicated that if these requests were received in writing, they could be shared with all parties, including Mr. Muck. Mr. Olsen indicated he is not in opposition to the quarry and understands the need for the products and jobs. He only wants his concerns addressed.
4) Legal opinion on re-zoning contingencies: Mr. Hepler reported he has asked the State’s Attorney whether the Board can put contingencies on a re-zoning request. He has been asked to provide an opinion by the November meeting.

Zoning Officer’s Report: Mr. D’Andrea had nothing further to report.

Public comments: None.

Communications: None.

A motion was made by Mr. Ruben, seconded by Mrs. Schumacher, to approve the bills. Motion passed.

A motion was made by Mr. Ruben, seconded by Mr. Farmer, to adjourn the meeting. Motion passed. Meeting ended at 7:16 pm.