By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Ellis County Commission discussed the process for reviewing and approving plats for future subdevelopment projects during its Tuesday meeting.
Commissioner Nathan Leiker suggested not approving development plats until the county's subdivision regulations are updated.
"I thought now would be a good time to pause and reevaluate some of the topics that we've seen arise in the past several zoning certificates that have been awarded," Leiker said.
County Counselor Bill Jeter said there are inconsistencies in the language of zoning regulations that need clarification, but that does not warrant temporarily halting new applications.
"In some instances, we've got inconsistent languages in one part of the regulation as opposed to another part of the regulation," Jeter said.
The commission described it as fine-tuning regulations based on its experiences with past subdevelopments. The commission will compile a list of concerns to create potential updates.
Commissioners agreed to exclude Big Creek Estates Third Addition and the pending Tallgrass development solar project from any future regulatory changes.
Minimum road design and construction standards
The commission approved updating minimum road design and construction standards for roads in platted subdivisions and developments.
The standards set minimum requirements for roadway and drainage improvements, and outline a process for owners of subdivisions to request exceptions to those standards.
Kansas local bridge improvement program agreement
The commission approved a Kansas Department of Transportation agreement to improve three bridges after the county was awarded about $4.36 million.
These include one bridge that goes over the Saline River, one on Saline River Road and one in the 2100 block of 100th Avenue.
Other business
• The commission heard an update on the High Plains Mental Health Crisis Intervention Center project. An open house of the center is set for April 16
• The commission reappointed Dylan Bryant to the county library board as his current term expires on April 30. He will serve a new four-year term
• The commission approved a request to send Ellis County Health Department staff to attend the 2026 Governor's Public Health Conference. Their office will be closed from March 30 to April 1.
• The commission approved the County Appraiser's extension request to delay the mailing of real property certified valuation notices from the March 1 deadline to March 16.
• The commission conducted an annual examination of revenue and expenses reports from townships. County Clerk Bobbi Dreiling verified that the reports are accurate.