Vacancy still on Commission
Posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008
GOSHEN -- The Goshen city council was expected to approve the appointment of Charles Parsley to the Goshen planning commission but that did not happen at the council's regular July meeting.
It was reported that due to some issues with his home Parsley was not actually a Goshen resident, yet anyway. It is expected that issue will be resolved and Parsley will be named at the August meeting to fill the vacancy left by Mike Spainhowner.
In other business, Mayor Benson announced the Marshall's new car had arrived and was in service. The car with a sticker price of $ 22, 000 plus, had only $ 17, 000 of the cost financed. Benson said payments "were around $ 700 a month "and would be completed ìbefore my term ends.
Alderman Paula Anderson questioned if the benefits of the franchise fees had been seen yet. A brief discussion followed and a more detailed list would be made available to the council at the regular meetings. Some funds, which are paid quarterly have been received by the city.
Lorel Hoffman, building inspector, reported that inspections were down, but she was anticipating an increase soon as more subdivisions and lot splits occur. She spoke of Tim Sorey of Sand Creek engineering's letter to the council. Sorey stated via email that the pavement had been completed and the company was awaiting test results, and he was planning to get with Larry Oxford to get the property bush hogged so surveyors can finish the final plat and set pins. He also said they are planning to submit a final plat by August 1 for the August 11 th meeting.
Sealed bids were opened for street work. After much discussion by the council, it was decided due to budget constraints to just patch the roads again this year. All the aldermen voiced concerns about patching but agreed it would be in the best interest for the city.
Celia Scott-Silkwood of NW Regional Planning addressed the council about the proposed commercial and building design standards.
A discussion followed, although the wishes of the council and the public were not clearly defined. Alderman Max Poye voiced his distaste at the idea of "cookie cutter"design standards. "Why are people doing this ? "Poye continued," I can drive to Arizona and it looks the same as other places, I don't like the homogonous design."
Scott said building designs are sometimes for the health and safety welfare of a city. Poye agreed those reasons are feasible but said," I think people need to have some leeway in artistic expression."
Mayor Benson along with Chuck Browning of the planning commission and Hoffman will draft some proposals to present to the council on design standards and the future land use mapping.
The council approved a request for a noise ordinance variance for the Lifestyles, Polo in the Ozarks event.
FEEDBACK:
Something to say about this topic? Submit a Letter to the Editor online