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Planning director: Keats outreach, comprehensive plan workshop and short‑term rental rules moving forward

5548312 · August 7, 2025

Summary

Planning staff said Keats alignment and easement outreach are underway, comprehensive plan workshops had strong attendance in Leonardville, short‑term rental regulations are being revised and a proposed feedlot is under KDHE authority; construction for Keats remains on schedule for spring.

Amanda Webb, planning director, updated the commission on several planning and development efforts, including the Keats community project, the county’s comprehensive plan update, short‑term rental rulemaking and education and solid waste outreach.

Webb said the Keats community meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26, at the Keats community center. She said the county’s consultant (BG Consultants) has been meeting property owners on site, and the county has nearly finished a Kansas Water Office technical assistance grant and plans to move to ARPA funding to complete engineering and design, followed by KDHE and USDA construction funding. Webb said, "everything is going along just fine with all of that. And we're still ... on schedule at this point to start construction next spring." (first reference to Keats project)

On the comprehensive plan update, Webb said about 30 people attended a recent Leonardville community workshop and that Stantec (the consultant) will compile public input; she said another workshop is planned for the fall.

Webb reported outreach at the county fair for the solid-waste management committee and renewed efforts to launch a battery‑recycling/sticker campaign with partners including 4‑H and Boy Scouts. She also said the county spent a state LAPP (Local Environmental Protection Program) award to assist three property owners with alternative septic-system work and expects a new round of funding in the coming months.

On short‑term rentals, Webb said proposed regulations have been workshopped with both planning boards and will return to the Manhattan Urban Area Planning Board in September, followed by public hearings. On a separate land‑use matter, Webb said proposed feedlot activity is regulated by KDHE; the county’s role is limited to review of structures or any building permits that may be part of a project.

Webb said staff will follow up with state contacts and the applicant to clarify permits and processes and will keep the commission informed.

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