Planning commission presents draft guidance; resident tells commissioners he opposes zoning

Planning Commission President Ben Steffen and member Dick James met with the Richardson County Board of Commissioners on March 18 to report on commission activity and to present a draft “Statement of Background, Intent, and Direction” intended to guide the county’s update of its comprehensive plan.

Steffen told the board the Planning Commission met Feb. 26 at the Southeast Community College Learning Center in Falls City and that the commission elected officers (Steffen, president; Mark Jones, vice-president; Dana Rathje, secretary). He presented the draft statement for the board’s consideration; the board said it would review the draft in the coming weeks.

During public comment, resident Alvin Simon said he would oppose zoning regulations in Richardson County and asked where and when Planning Commission agendas are posted. Chairman John Caverzagie and other board members explained that meeting notices are published in the legal newspaper (the Falls City Journal), posted in courthouse lobbies and on the county website (www.richardsoncounty.ne.gov), and provided to local radio and newspapers. The board also told Mr. Simon that draft minutes are provided to the news media shortly after meetings and that approved minutes are published in the Falls City Journal within 10 working days.

The board did not take formal action on the draft statement at the March 18 meeting; it will review the Planning Commission’s draft guidance before any formal adoption or reference in the comprehensive-plan update process.