The Barton County Commission Wednesday morning approved a zoning amendment for Lance Crosby, owner of C4 AG Solutions LLC. The agricultural business is located between Dundee and Pawnee Rock.
The application calls for an amendment to the zoning classification from Agricultural District to Light Manufacturing Service Commercial District on a 2.7 acre portion of a 9.5- acre tract owned by Lance E. and Amy R. Crosby, Environmental Manager Judy Goreham said. This will allow them to use a newly built 60x120-foot building for office and storage for an agricultural seed and chemical products distribution business. “This is just a nice improvement for the county,” she said.
The Barton County Planning Commission held a public hearing on the request on March 14, and there were no objections, Goreham said. So, the Planning Commission recommended approval.
“It’s nice to see a new business in the county,” said Donna Zimmerman, District 5 commissioner.
But, this was the second example in about a year of a business undertaking improvements without contacting Goreham’s office first. “There is a disconnect,” she said with many people not knowing the rules.
In both cases, she was notified by a contractor that work was being done. She contacted the individuals after the fact.
In these situations, everything worked out well, she said. “But, I fear someday it won’t” and there will be problems bringing the project into compliance.
“Just stop and make a two-minute phone call and get the rules,” she said. “I encourage the public to do that.”
Planning commission appointments
In another zoning-related matter, the commission reappointed Chad Ehrlich and J.C. Bosch, and appointed Dan Witt to the Barton County Planning Commission.
The county has sought applicants for the commission, the focus of which is to plan for the proper growth and development of Barton County through the enactment of planning and zoning laws for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare, Environmental Manager Judy Goreham said. Although all applicants must reside in Barton County, the majority of members must be from the unincorporated area.
These are three-year uncompensated terms that end in March 2026. Three of the nine commission opens term each March.
Earl Moses’ term on the Planning Commission was also ending, but he didn’t seek reappointment, Goreham said. However, they had four applicants. “Never in 20 years have I had this much interest in being on the Planning Commission.”
In addition to Witt, the other candidates were Shane Suchy, Great Bend, Junior Welsh, rural Barton County, and Bob Fairbanks, Great Bend.
