Kosciusko County plan commission continues Chatsley Lake subdivision to May 7 for soil and sewer studies

The Kosciusko County Area Plan Commission continued consideration of Subdivision 2024-9, a proposed two-lot division at Chatsley Lake, to its May 7 hearing after the petitioner said required soil testing and a sewer feasibility estimate were not yet complete.

The case was on a continuing basis from December. Matt Sandy, Kosciusko County plan director, told commissioners that notices had been sent in October and that reissuing notice would be appropriate if the commission continued the item to allow completion of the outstanding studies. Sandy recommended reissuing notices so owners who had previously expressed interest would be informed.

Steve Schneider, speaking on behalf of the petitioner, said soil testing was delayed because the ground had been frozen ‘‘about 15 inches down’’ and that the petitioner had not yet received a cost estimate from the sewer district for a potential connection. ‘‘Testing soils wasn't very, easy when it was frozen about 15 inches down,’’ Schneider said. He said his client would decide whether to request April or May for re-notification and requested the May date to allow time for both a soil study and a sewer feasibility study.

A commissioner made a motion to continue the case; the motion was seconded. The commission took a voice vote; the motion carried by voice as "all in favor," and the item was continued to the May 7 hearing. The transcript does not record individual roll-call votes or the names of the motion mover and seconder.

Next steps identified on the record included completing the soil study, obtaining a sewer-connection cost estimate from the sewer district, and reissuing public notice for the rescheduled hearing so interested property owners would be informed.

The continuance preserves the commission's ability to consider both on-site septic feasibility and municipal sewer connection costs before taking a final decision on the two-lot subdivision.