APC gets new look in 2008
By Debbie Lowe Staff writer

Carroll County Area Plan Commission's Zoning Administrator Dale Huffer announced plans to resign as of March 1, 2008, at the Nov. 27 meeting. He has occupied that position since Jan. 1, 1989, and announced that he was handing over the duties of monitoring zoning ordinances and providing permits to builders in three short months.

Delphi mayoral appointee Tom Hesler, whose term expires Dec. 31, said he would not be returning to his post either. Nor will county council appointee Stan Moore, whose term also ends at the end of the year, who said he would not be returning. APC attorney Patrick Manahan said he would like to be replaced as soon as possible due to family obligations.

Delphi city council representative John Hampton, whose term also ends Dec. 31 was unable to commit to another fouryear term on the commission. He said he needed to talk to mayor-elect Randy Strasser. Hampton was defeated in the recent city election and could not be the Delphi City Council appointment, but he could fill the position vacated by Hesler.

Huffer said he wanted to give commissioners time to find a suitable replacement for him.

"I'm getting old," he explained. "If I'm fortunate to be re-appointed, I'd like to retire in March. I don't want to play for another year."

"I didn't know Tom was leaving APC," mayor-elect Randy Strasser told the Comet Thursday. "But I'll probably appoint someone to replace him in mid-January."

"The person I choose to represent Delphi will be someone with some knowledge in planning and zoning, who is on board with community-minded local groups interested in growth and planning," he added. "The person I pick will be a Delphi resident."

Strasser said he would like Delphi to establish a planning committee to specifically address city issues. He said the future direction of whether or not to establish a stand-alone planning commission would come from that committee and the city council.

Fee increases delayed

APC members, although presented with a list of proposed user fee increases, decided more information was needed before making recommendations to send to the county commissioners.

Huffer, who presented the increases, said he surveyed other counties to learn what they charge for services.

Hampton questioned if the proposed fee structure would cover the cost of doing business in the office. He suggested asking other counties how they arrived at rates for the services.

The course of action to not raise fees until more information is obtained was unanimously approved. A March deadline was set for fee increase recommendation to commissioners.

Other business

Final subdivision approval for the North Central Health Services proposed social services complex was unanimously approved.

Huffer announced the first meeting for the comprehensive land use development steering committee was held recently. It was noted there was no representative from Burlington on the committee. Moore volunteered to fill that position. Bret Rinehart will be asked to join the group to represent realtors.

The December meeting was canceled. The next meeting will be Jan. 24 at 7 p.m.