Commissioners order feasibility studies, table plat and approve conditional use permit after Lakeshore and West Vista hearings

Keith County commissioners instructed county roads staff Tuesday to perform feasibility studies on two separate requests to vacate platted roads and later tabled a related final plat until those studies are complete.

After a public hearing that included cross testimony from property owners and neighbors, the board voted to direct the county highway superintendent to study a request by Tim O’Connor and Gerald and Nancy Patrick to vacate a short portion of Spinner Road in the Bennett’s/Lakeshore area. Commissioner Irvin moved to direct a feasibility study; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Ortman and passed unanimously. Resident Harry Marsh told the commissioners he opposed closing the road for safety and emergency access, saying the route had provided alternate access when nearby roads flood. Property owner Tim O’Connor told the board he had previously reconstructed much of the local access using recycled asphalt milling but said a short, sand‑filled washout section repeatedly fails and is the rationale for the vacation request.

The board separately approved a feasibility study on a petition by Brian Fromm and Carol Carter to vacate a portion of West Vista Drive in a Lakeshore/West Vista subdivision that would be absorbed as part of a proposed replat. Following staff and planning commission recommendations the board instructed the highway superintendent to study that vacation as well; the motion passed on a roll call vote. At the same meeting, commissioners voted to table the associated final plat (Buffalo Ridge Replat No. 3) until the feasibility study and vacation process are complete.

On a related planning item, the board approved Conditional Use Permit CUP 25‑1 to allow an additional dwelling on a three‑acre lot in an agricultural (AG) zone at 914 W. Highway 92 (the applicant is John Johnson). Commissioner Irvin moved for approval and Commissioner Schroeder seconded; the motion passed 4–0 on roll call. Planning staff noted the request met minimum lot‑size standards for the accessory dwelling policy and that the planning commission had recommended approval.

Commissioners and staff emphasized the next steps: the county highway superintendent will perform feasibility analyses (including consultation with emergency services) and, if the studies indicate vacating is feasible, the board will schedule public hearings and formal resolutions to accept or reject vacation petitions. Road and planning staff also said they would coordinate with emergency responders on access implications before any final vacation vote.

The board’s motions were procedural direction to begin formal studies; no vacation or plat approvals were finalized and the public will have further opportunity to comment at a subsequent published hearing if the superintendent’s studies recommend moving forward.