Commission Board Meeting on Wed, April 11, 2007 - 6:35 PM


Meeting Information

-Convene
 -The Pledge of Allegiance

CONSENT AGENDA
 (1) (a) Consider approval of Commission Orders;

REGULAR AGENDA      
 (2) Consider approval of Home Rule Resolution providing for a process to certify agricultural exemptions to the Building Code (Craig Weinaug)

(3) Other Business
(a) Consider approval of Accounts Payable (if necessary)
(b) Appointments
(c) Miscellaneous
(d) Public Comment

(4)    Adjourn   

Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2007       with two members present. McElhaney arrived later.

ACOUNTS PAYABLE 04-11-07
Jones moved to approve manual checks in the amount of $278,203.73 to be paid on 04/16/07 and a wire transfer in the amount of $674,000.00 paid on 04/09/07. The motion was seconded by Johnson and carried 2-0.

CONSENT AGENDA 04-11-07
Jones moved approval of the following Consent Agenda:

►   Application for an authorized Emergency Vehicle Permit for Lecompton Township Fire and Rescue Permit No. 5 for William Shockley
 
The motion was seconded by McElhaney and carried 3-0.

MISCELLANEOUS & ZONING AND CODES 04-11-07
Johnson discussed a situation in Douglas County where a resident purchased property under the assumption that he could do something with the property that he can not under the new subdivision regulations. Johnson questioned what the County can do to help prevent this from happening. McElhaney suggested hiring a full-time position with the Zoning & Codes Department to handle purchase of property issues, a consultant type position. Jones stated he feels it is the purchaser's responsibility to be aware of the rules and regulations. He suggested putting a "Beware before Buying" brochure or poster in the Register of Deeds office and to continue our group meetings for Douglas County groups and residents. Jones d s not feel the County is at fault, we just need to speed up the communication process. Keith Dabney, Director of Zoning and Codes, stated he spoke with the auction house that sold the property, and the land was sold as "Buyer Beware."

ZONING AND CODES 04-11-07
The Board discussed amending the Uniform Building Code as adopted on June 9, 1999. The amendment requires property owners desiring to construct or alter buildings to be used strictly for agricultural purposes to first obtain an exemption from the building permit requirement by completing, executing and filing a certification with the Douglas County Zoning and Codes Department. The amendment will serve to put the owner on notice that a change in usage of the building from strictly agricultural to any other use or mixed use is not permitted without improving the building to comply with applicable Douglas County codes. Keith Dabney, Director of Zoning and Codes, was present for the discussion. Craig Weinaug, County Administrator, stated a copy of the Home Rule Resolution and information regarding the Commission meeting was sent to about every farm related group in the area. A letter was received from Bobbie Flory, Executive Director, Home Builders Association, endorsing the resolution.

McElhaney moved adoption of the Home Rule Resolution No. 07-4-3 amending the Uniform Building Code previously adopted by the Board by Home Rule Resolution No. 99-6-2, and codified at Chapter III of the Code of Douglas County, Kansas. The motion was seconded by Johnson and carried unanimously.

McElhaney moved to adjourn; Jones seconded and the motion carried.


_____________________________ ________________________
Bob Johnson, Chairman                       Jere McElhaney, Vice Chair


ATTEST:

_____________________________ _________________________
Jamie Shew, County Clerk                    Charles Jones, Member 

Location

County Courthouse
1100 Massachusetts St, Lawrence, KS 66044, USA