By GEORGE NUNNEMACHER | November 16, 2022

The Linn Valley City Council held its bi-monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, with Mayor Cindy Smith presiding.  All council members were present with the exception of Michael Hemphill.

Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings reported that 32 building permits were issued in October, including two for new residences.  To date, the city has issued a total of 458 building permits in 2022, including 28 for new home construction.   Last month the Council approved the six-month moratorium on accepting new building permits; however, the moratorium could possibly be lifted prior to April 2024 depending upon progress in reducing the current backlog of open building permits.  Smith complemented Codes Enforcement Officer Don Hastings and Codes Clerk Jenny Schooler for their efforts in reducing the 2021 permit backlog from 195 down to 14.

Additionally, the council is considering elimination of permitting requirements for several types of residential construction projects.   Examples of projects under consideration are (1) storage sheds less than 200 square feet with no utilities, (2) installation of culverts, (3) lot clearing work which doesn’t involve excavation, (4) fence erection and (5) non-foundational concrete patio slabs.   Smith indicated that the council will work on the proposed list of projects for the November 28th council meeting.

Council Member Lew Donelson noted several zoning issues that are currently in play, including the zoning designation for the city’s new water tower.  The water tower property is currently zoned as “Agricultural” but rezoning the property as “Residential” is under consideration.   Additionally, the Linn Valley Community Church has had discussions with the city about establishing a daycare center at the church, raising questions about the impact on zoning.   The council has been working with its consultant, Institute for Building Technology and Safety (“IBTS”) on planning and zoning issues within Linn Valley and preliminary recommendations are expected in December.   

Public Safety Director Corey Murrison reported on Police Department activity in the city during the past month, including the transport of a runaway juvenile to Wichita and two arrests for Possession of Narcotics.    Murrison reported that application for an arrest warrant has been made for one suspect in connection with two stolen UTV’s, and that two subjects have been charged in connection with a burglary at the Clubhouse.   Charges have been filed against another suspect for theft of a generator.  In addition, one citation was issued for Criminal Littering at the city dumpster.

The Fire Department responded to three medical calls, three grass fires and one injury accident in Linn Valley; as well as, two medical calls, three injury accidents, two brush fires and one structure fire in Miami County.  

City Clerk Karen Siffring presented the October 2022 Financial Report which included General Fund income of $45,093 and expenses totaling $62,628.   The council voted to approve expense vouchers totaling $199,522 for the month of October.   

Prior to adjournment, the council went into a 10-minute executive session regarding land acquisition.  No action was taken.