Members of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan Steering Committee appeared at the Carroll County Area Plan Commission meeting last week to discuss progress, and the lack of progress, of the plan. They also made recommendations that would help the county take steps toward a final product. Steering committee spokesperson Miriam Robeson explained the committee, designated in the contract as the entity which would guide Ground Rules Inc., the firm hired to develop the plan, began meeting last November and has worked diligently with and without Ground Rules representation at meetings. She said the first draft of the plan was expected in late May or early June and the second draft would be ready by the end of June.

Describing communication with Ground Rules as, at times, a "disconnect," Robeson reported the firm is not making the progress expected. She said the contract was for 14 months with a provision that could add to the county financial obligation if delays were not due to Ground Rules. Robeson said the steering committee learned only recently Ground Rules had not reported to APC. She further stated that it was imperative for the county to adopt updated zoning ordinances to aid in economic development.

"We can't wait for the comprehensive plan to be completed," she said. "We've done a good bit of pushing to keep moving this forward."

Zoning administrator Kathy Mylet advised Ground Rules has been paid approximately 52 percent of the contracted cost, which is roughly $57,000 but jumped to $61,000 when an additional night meeting was held.

Steering committee member Judy Berkshire said one reason the firm was hired for the job was that it offered a money back guarantee.

"It's certainly time to stop paying him (Brad Johnson, land use planner)," she said.

Delphi Mayor Randy Strasser said the lack of updated zoning ordinances "hampers the city in being able to make progress."

"Without the steering committee, we wouldn't have anything," APC member Pete Wagoner said.

Robeson presented three requests for approval. They were:

• Authorize the steering committee to schedule and conduct public meetings for review and comment for the plan draft under the supervision of the zoning administrator, APC attorney and APC;

• Continue land use plan development using Ground Rules, with language added to the contract to include a cap on compensation regardless of the final product delivery date, plus a late-delivery deduction if the final product is not delivered by Aug. 1; and

• Authorize the steering committee to update the zoning ordinances as a new project under the supervision of the APC attorney, for an estimated cost of $10,000.

Wagoner moved to adopt all three recommendations with a second provided by John Hampton. The motion was approved unanimously.

EDC

Carroll County Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Daryl Smith requested pre-approval to rezone two sites, one on US421 near CR100N and one at the edge of Flora, as industrial. He said with the pre-approval, the sites could achieve the state approved "shovel ready" status and could be marketed as "industrial." He said there was "great promise" to develop both sites for industry.

Smith said another two sites were being readied for the same purpose.

APC gave preliminary approval to the plan but was concerned about whether the Town of Flora, which has its own planning commission, would do the same.

A letter of intent to EDC to re-zone the parcels of land will be sent.

Construction fees

Carroll County Commissioners twice rejected a revised fee structure for building permits due to a perceived ambiguity of one classification of building and how the cost for a permit would be determined. APC adopted a slight change in the wording of the amended fee structure to address commis- sioners' concerns.

An additional category of "non-traditional structures" was added to define buildings other than pole barns. The cost of a building permit for those structures will be based on estimated value rather than square footage.

Other business

Ken and Shirley Roe received a favorable recommendation for a setback variance for a cottage in Breezy Point in Jefferson Township. They will construct an eight-foot by 24 foot addition using the same footprint as an existing patio. The structure will have a three-foot setback on the side yard and a 12-foot setback in the rear.

Board of Zoning Appeals

Ken and Shirley Roe were granted the requested variance for setbacks with the favorable recommendation from APC.

The next APC meeting will be June 24 at 7 p.m.