[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6622135,"mediaKeyId","2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837","parentId",2787623,"title","Township officials press planning commission for earlier notice and road agreements on large developments","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",2062000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837&start=2062&end=2062","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837/thumbnail_2062000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6622135/Osage-County/Kansas/Township-officials-press-planning-commission-for-earlier-notice-and-road-agreements-on-large-developments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622135-d7f75efbe89d464ce516bdab13232abc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136772&Signature=jdxjsejipG23f99RXLEzmzV5Q4uLQmBgTvV64bhGmHLXl4m8zzm~HawuoLg0N83qDdjyFaCWGfSIkQLuklyr2JANtunW1L--iE8pUHJWg4eEBUcN0elVHu0Kl-cJFc1LhSB56KOzC2R2IUmeqbCIhemBpLgu-9o1A5t2nXEkPm90oT36Exk4t~ed7jOGle8eoKGtYMeB4BlR8waC4xnaI4BEdzkVvzleiBzDO60rqsTwwu-nOgY7yRL2zSylu14fXOmdwioPGj8BSTongHxh416r2DtGHfwnyi3MxjwX46WIIzYWB9xuj9llyjxgqy2R3npXhkmrteeeuPtH08M0cQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Osage County, KS","date","2025-03-27T02:34:53.767Z","article","Township trustees and planning commissioners urged the Planning Commission to strengthen coordination with townships and require road agreements for developments that will use township roads.

Multiple township representatives said they often learn about projects only after approvals or construction begins. One township trustee said the Osage City solar facility \"destroyed that road\" and that the township is currently in a dispute with the developer about repair costs. A township official asked commissioners to add a provision that townships be notified and consulted when developments will increase traffic or require use of township roads.

Planning staff said the county already notifies property owners within 1,000 feet and publishes public notices, and that a roster of active townships exists. Staff said they have begun sending notices to township contacts and will verify contact lists. Staff also said road agreements are routinely used for large projects and typically are contracts administered by the county commission; townships may have a role at the table but do not have statutory authority to enter contracts on behalf of the county.

Trustees asked whether road-agreement terms, such as fees or repair obligations for heavy trucks, can be required upstream of construction; staff and commissioners said those terms are usually negotiated in road agreements and can be conditioned as part of a conditional-use permit or county approval process. Commissioners asked staff to include clearer language in the comprehensive plan about township notification and road agreements so townships can be informed earlier in the review process.

No formal policy change or vote occurred at the meeting; the commission asked staff to include township notification language and to verify township contact information ahead of the April 30 comprehensive-plan review.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Osage County Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting March 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Township representatives and planning commissioners discussed adding township notification to the comprehensive plan and requiring road agreements for projects that will use township roads. Speakers cited past projects'including a solar installation near Osage City'that damaged township roads and the need for clearer processes.","taxTitle","Osage County, Kansas","taxId",73452,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6622140,"Commissioners and staff flag Pomona-area sewer and subdivision issues in plan review",1166,3101000,4267000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837&start=3101&end=4267","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837/thumbnail_3101000.jpg","/articles/6622140/Osage-County/Kansas/Commissioners-and-staff-flag-Pomona-area-sewer-and-subdivision-issues-in-plan-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622140-f3abdccc56d25e32c0ddd817194f4894/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136772&Signature=d07yIATKmuc9A~YsYJY-b6EA9aEyMqqJicjNLkl5H0iL9VjjPq7dxF8lYspDK1YNIX-7sasc1AubFnrjHnJPFV4XAS6AS4LxY0ZncE4pZtlgPbXonBFP7BbI8SAQIx9u4c2yZKJBzaHzNk4kXlJ-IvX0C-PAMqYpeo3vUTcasELtsFgvngq56EB1h8azZX6NLF2xqKOnmRPA7h2EOseYd0CVW67kVM1WX81N3z4-pT2y~YW5HFNfjMOEPoIeIppjd7pHzcreKQS86MKDcf43KKDgKmKsk3JyT9u~uwfZ8onXurV2blDZoLRmsMxcl1aIZIc72tfmIVgeZFaUfY-SKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners and planning staff reviewed housing and utilities sections of the draft comprehensive plan and singled out residential development pressure around Pomona Lake as a recurring implementation issue.

Planning staff noted that the draft references a Pomona subdivision study and that the county is already working on a separate report to address questions about sewer, water and how to make existing lots buildable. As staff summarized, \"what we talk about in urban densities, unless you have a rural water district that has capacity, I have yet to see 1 in 28 years... If you have a wastewater treatment facility, which we don't, not a good idea, especially with the budget of Osage County.\" (staff paraphrase).

Commissioners discussed language on page 81 of the draft that currently reads broadly to \"discourage the development of any new water or sanitary sewer improvement districts in the county.\" Several commissioners and staff recommended softening that wording to permit targeted improvement districts where feasible—for example, to serve South Pomona Lake and neighboring areas—while noting long-term maintenance and fiscal risks if districts fail.

Staff and commissioners described known failure modes for smaller improvement districts: initial construction can be feasible, but if dues or assessments fall short, maintenance can lapse, KDHE can require upgrades, and counties may inherit failing systems. One commissioner described past cases where quasi-municipal wastewater systems defaulted and became a county responsibility.

The commission also discussed related constraints on new subdivision development: KDOT requirements for access on state highways (traffic-impact studies that may limit direct driveway access), the lack of county-wide sanitary sewer, and the cost escalation of building water lines and sewer systems.

Commissioners requested that the Pomona study remain a near-term action item so staff can identify funding sources, potential grant opportunities, and whether an improvement district or other solution is feasible without imposing long-term county liabilities.

No formal motion was taken on policy language at the meeting; commissioners instead asked staff to incorporate their suggested edits and present the consolidated draft at the April 30 meeting.","During the comprehensive-plan review, commissioners and staff identified housing and wastewater service near Pomona Lake as a priority area. Discussion covered the economics and risks of sewer or water improvement districts, constraints from KDOT on highway access, and possible stand-alone studies to address Pomona subdivisions.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6622145,"Osage County planning commission tables comprehensive plan for revisions, schedules April 30 review",21,2760000,2781000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837&start=2760&end=2781","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837/thumbnail_2760000.jpg","/articles/6622145/Osage-County/Kansas/Osage-County-planning-commission-tables-comprehensive-plan-for-revisions-schedules-April-30-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622145-8445bd782d68381613169daf3c107cb5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136772&Signature=Y8w4wctX5TEk-i0aeMX6cOKOUqNBrjULcNnd1qVSt4TOQiyEsPbaLdasxyU~ofOhMmd5udjvilcjN7ANI8JPDTkZ8HA6q9HErHm5~4-yKsSX-OOFRJDzFQumD~b5FR-dWQXEaBUXQq9xxQASDs-eKJsGH0eEe-T6yNzOGqaqc99IhbVpeaWZeoTlrd6LyNfzpRIuiZ7gWSjiHUZkEcXHUtoT6G0KAJqrhaT--yTj6zq0lP5GAsIA8v5j-o8YPlrPU5rpxYukAV7omsI0doK5OqpKx-k7ZPY9UFC~zSmiJl318WsJBIAdRDvwkPEAW~MuRxIrmSVPKqJBFIQCtil0yw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Osage County Planning Commission voted to table action on the draft comprehensive plan until April 30 to allow staff and commissioners time to consolidate edits and circulate a revised draft.

David Gus (meeting facilitator) moved to table the comprehensive-plan recommendation to the April meeting; Jason seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote: \"All in favor, say aye,\" and commissioners responded in the affirmative. No recorded roll-call tally was provided in the meeting transcript.

Planning staff said they will gather written comments submitted by commissioners, department heads, and members of the public, summarize proposed changes, and circulate a marked-up draft before the April meeting. Staff described a workflow in which they will mark relevant sections with strikeouts and additions and provide a consolidated document that shows what is \"in flux\" ahead of the next review.

Commissioners and staff discussed a one-month timetable for commissioners to submit edits. Several commissioners asked staff to provide a summary of proposed changes in advance so the April session can focus on deliberation and a final vote. The commission also agreed to work through outstanding technical items, such as page-specific edits (for example, housing and future land-use maps) before final action.

During the March 11 meeting staff also said they will send the consolidated draft to the county commissioners and make it available to the public. Commissioners and several attendees noted the planning commission is advisory to the county commission; planning staff and commission recommendations may be adopted, modified, or rejected by the Board of County Commissioners at subsequent hearings.

The tabling postpones any formal adoption or formal recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners until the revised April 30 meeting.","The Planning Commission voted to table its review of the county comprehensive plan until April 30 to allow staff to consolidate written edits and provide commissioners and department heads time to review proposed changes. The motion to table was moved by David Gus and seconded by Jason; the commission voted in favor by voice.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6622149,"Residents urge planners to keep Osage County's renewable-energy moratorium in place",898,196000,1094000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837&start=196&end=1094","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2787623-4d9151bdec5c50fbdab81df5dda28837/thumbnail_196000.jpg","/articles/6622149/Osage-County/Kansas/Residents-urge-planners-to-keep-Osage-Countys-renewable-energy-moratorium-in-place","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6622149-aa7f2bacccecd4f4fbec70c162f3d955/orig.mp4?Expires=1771136772&Signature=YhnQR24EJaLFtYUbm3SZmVK8yWu7qAyYUZPYlDqVSQMby-cwSR7jCHZILuknhQFYbUgPjIJrJUTQSW3pLt6HZ0BxUCrth0IHgHhmsGWZR9jza2Z0uTvBisXeItLVVoaMDcrJ3d-B-qa63Oi2FDNp5~HgD~KhnS5k67kJKZw1tyh1cE5C4-LnZmYWVdrpZkJMFrfPmhlqjpJdLX48sckkHh3psnD1~au0qiPTWkkNZxRHrFN5PUQCXCrwD2jz4LG9PqNMQny8GTDHJojCXQhAnOXyNMWn2Ackz1CfMa13YJwnMhWLWdN4CHq6pVHhgrmTkIjzrGkuSATavzpqHmzsOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A series of public commenters at an Osage County Planning Commission meeting on March 11 urged commissioners and staff to retain the county's moratorium on utility-scale wind and solar facilities and not reopen land-use rules that would permit large renewable-energy farms.

Stanley Hart, who identified himself as a resident, told the commission he had noticed recent discussion about solar and said, \"Last I knew, the county had a prohibition on the solar and I was curious why we even considered it.\" He said at least two county commissioners have said publicly they oppose renewables and urged vigilance that the 2022 prohibition not be undone without broad public support.

Alex Irby, a former member of the planning board, said the planning and zoning board previously researched commercial wind and solar for about a year and recommended a moratorium. Irby said that large-scale projects had not proven \"safer or worthy of placement in the county at this time\" according to that prior review and urged that any reconsideration be preceded by comparable study.

Another resident who spoke during public comment said the county should preserve agricultural and rural-residential character and warned ratepayers ultimately bear indirect costs from utility projects. The speaker referred to recent utility-rate proceedings and alleged local subsidies and rate increases tied to utility company investments, saying the local population would shoulder those costs.

Speakers raised a mix of environmental and economic concerns: limited local job creation from construction-only projects, possible damage to roads and rural infrastructure, and unclear long-term fiscal benefit to residents. Several commenters suggested alternative priorities for county economic development, such as recruiting manufacturers or promoting recreation tied to the county's lakes.

Commissioners and staff responded during the meeting by emphasizing that the comprehensive plan discussion does not automatically change zoning or the existing moratorium. Planning staff said the current draft of the comprehensive plan preserves the prohibition language and that any formal change would require later steps, including public hearings and notice to the public and adjacent jurisdictions.

Members of the public also asked the planning commission to consider a countywide referendum on the issue; planning staff reminded speakers that referendums in Kansas are nonbinding and would not force county officials to change zoning.

The public comments closed before the planning commission moved on to other elements of the comprehensive plan and related agenda items.","At a planning commission meeting, multiple residents urged maintaining the county's existing moratorium on large-scale wind and solar farms, saying past research showed environmental and economic harms and expressing distrust of corporate incentives. Speakers urged focus on recreation and manufacturing instead of industrial renewable projects.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Township officials press planning commission for earlier notice and road agreements on large developments

Commissioners and staff flag Pomona-area sewer and subdivision issues in plan review

Osage County planning commission tables comprehensive plan for revisions, schedules April 30 review

Residents urge planners to keep Osage County's renewable-energy moratorium in place