County land use plan soon to be under way
By Debbie Lowe

The task of developing a comprehensive land use plan for Carroll County will soon be underway.

Carroll County Area Plan Commission reviewed and approved a proposed $58,000 satisfaction-guaranteed contract with Ground Rules, Inc. of Indianapolis. The plan was the only item on the agenda for the special Dec. 19 evening meeting.

According to zoning administrator Dale Huffer, a steering committee, comprised of county residents, will guide the firm. However, the committee does not need to be formed until two to three months after the firm begins preliminary work.

He reported Ground Rules suggests meeting with up to six key interest groups for interviews. From those groups, appropriate steering committee members will likely become apparent.

The Ground Rules contract calls for interest groups to include farmers, industries, builders, realtors/developers, businesses, transportation interests, cities and towns and environmental interests. All six interviews are to be held on one day, by Ground Rules consultants.

Huffer said Ground Rules would hold approximately 23 meetings during the process. The first round of public input would include two public workshops in different parts of the county to maximize the opportunity for citizens to attend. Ground Rules recommended one workshop be held in the day and one at night, however APC member consen- sus was both workshops would need to occur in the evening, which would add to the cost of the project.

Huffer advised that Ground Rules would utilize useful information already gathered in the community by groups such as Carroll County at the Crossroads.

Huffer said the contract will be shared with the council at the Dec. 28 meeting. The commissioners will be presented with the contract for approval at the Jan. 2 meeting.