Three landowners who would be affected by proposed zoning changes east of Humboldt implored Allen County commissioners not to abandon its jurisdiction there.
“Most landowners are not for it,” said Larry Hoepker, who came to Tuesday’s commission meeting with Merle Sterling and William Schomaker.
Humboldt Mayor Bob Sharp and City Administrator Larry Tucker told commissioners July 27 that extraterritorial zoning would permit Humboldt to “have some say-so about what goes on around us,” and help encourage housing development. The proposal covers 10 to 12 sections north and east of town.
“If they (Humboldt officials) are trying to protect the town, they should take in land all around, not just on the east side,” Hoepker said. Or, he said, Humboldt could propose zoning as land was needed, not all at one time.
“No one really understands what they’re trying to do,” he said, and suggested Humboldt hold a meeting to explain its intentions.
County Counselor Alan Weber noted meetings would be part of the process if extraterritorial zoning were to proceed, and that the first step would be for the county to withdraw zoning it maintains for the area. “Then Humboldt could proceed,” Weber said.
Commission Chairman Gary McIntosh said there wasn’t any urgency on the part of the county to vacate zoning to open the area to Humboldt.
“We still have lots of questions,” Commissioner Dick Works said.
Responding to another of the petitioners’ concerns, Works assured no changes would be made in tax obligation if the zoning were approved. Rather, the change would control “what you could do with your property,” Works said.
Humboldt officials had previously noted that the proposed city zoning would not affect agricultural pursuits, other than to discourage such things as “hog houses and feedlots.”
Sterling said the feedlot comment was a concern to him. “We feed cattle,” he said, on his place a mile northeast of Humboldt.
COMMISSIONERS approved a series of hepatitis vaccinations for employees. Insurance is expected to foot the bill.
Wendy Froggatte, Southeast Kansas Multi-County Health Department nurse, also asked that employees be permitted to complete health surveys, which may be turned in unsigned.
She said health concerns in Allen County were many and that the surveys would aid in categorizing needs.
TWO TRUCKS and a trailer were purchased for the Public Works Department.
Twin Motors Ford, Iola, had the only bid at $69,992 for a four-wheel-drive truck; among its uses will be snow removal. A little smaller than other city trucks, it will be able to maneuver in tighter areas, said Bill King, public works director.
A second truck purchase from Twin Motors was also approved. The $26,400 bid was one of four.
Berry Tractor, Wichita, had the lowest bid for a trailer at $5,788.
A trailer was sold to Iolan Raymond Cooper, whose bid of $3,601 was the highest of seven. J-D Automotive had the higher bid of $3,750 for a dump truck.
