Planning and Zoning Commission forwards two minimum-maintenance road resolutions to Road and Bridge

The Saline County Planning and Zoning Commission on Aug. 26 voted to forward two resolutions that propose reclassifying portions of Niles Road and Ottawa Road as minimum-maintenance roads. The commission adopted resolution No. 25-2429 and resolution No. 25-2430 and will forward them to the county Road and Bridge department for a public hearing and later consideration by the county commission.

Tim, planning staff, told the commission that the county last performed similar minimum-maintenance classifications in 2019 and that the Planning and Zoning Commission’s role is to review and forward the proposed resolutions; Road and Bridge will hold a second public hearing and take the matter to the county commission for final action. Tim said the commission would likely make a motion for each resolution indicating they have no objections to the proposed classification change.

Commissioners asked whether neighbors had raised objections in past hearings; Tim said, “Not to my knowledge.” Commissioners also discussed practical matters such as access keys to gates and ensuring local fire departments are aware and provided keys. One commissioner noted that, in prior similar actions, fire departments received keys; Tim said he believes Road and Bridge maintains a checklist that includes those notifications.

Each resolution was moved and seconded separately and adopted by voice vote. The commission handled the two resolutions as separate items at the request of staff because they affect different road locations.

Next steps: Road and Bridge will hold a public hearing to solicit comments and will forward the resolutions, along with any public comments, to the county commission for a final public hearing and decision. The Planning and Zoning Commission’s votes do not finalize the reclassification; they express the commission’s consent to proceed to the Road and Bridge public hearing stage.