Commission: Continue zoning study

By MIKE WEST/ Courier Editor

Cannon County Commissioners unanimously agreed to continue discussion on possible zoning regulations during Saturday's quarterly meeting.
Simply, the vote means that the County Planning Commission will continue to learn more about possible zoning laws.

Commissioner Jim Bush moved to allow the discussion to continue. Commissioner Karen Ashford seconded.

"That was a wise decision," County Executive Mike Gannon told the commissioners. Nine out of 10 commissioners were present for the vote. Commissioner Todd Hollandsworth was absent.

During discussion of the measure, Commissioner Bush reflected on the difficulty of the decision.

"How far do we go ... how intrusive do we get?" asked Bush, adding he hoped the county could reach a "center point that doesn't intrude on the rights of property owners."

"We need some study. We need some discussion," agreed Commissioner Brent Bush.

Commissioner Glenn Steakley said serving on the Planning Commission has been informative.

"Most people in the county favor zoning as long as it doesn't effect them. The minute it does they are against it," Steakley said, "As a citizen I would like to see the planning commission to continue to educate itself."

In a related issue, Commissioners failed to pass a resolution opting out of the statewide building code. The measure required a seven vote majority to opt out [not participate]. The vote means that Cannon County will now require basic inspections of new homes.

Voting to opt out were Commissioners Mark Barker, Karen Ashford, Jim Bush, Glenn Steakley, Richie Hunter and Adam Melton. Voting "nay" were Commissioners Russell Reed, James Holloway and Brent Bush.

The inspections will be done on single family and two family homes only. Barns, outbuilding and apartment complexes are excluded. State inspectors will be looking at the foundation and wiring of new homes. Most area counties have already agreed to the inspections as has the town of Woodbury.

In other action, the County Commission voted:
To approve Stan Hollandsworth for the 911 Board.
To appoint James Atkins to the Beer Board
To appoint Woodbury Police Chef Lowell Womack to the Homeland Security Committee.