Commission continues hearing on proposed section‑line relocation near Fort Mead Way

At a public hearing the Meade County Commission took extensive testimony about a proposal to vacate or relocate a 66‑foot section line that intersects a planned/constructed Fort Mead Way alignment.

Planning staff described the petition and explained that the relocation would shift the public right‑of‑way to Fort Mead Way and that petitioning landowners had submitted signatures (planning conditions and certified mail receipts were in the packet). Ross Lamphere and surveyor Shannon Boston testified as proponents, saying the county had earlier asked for a wider right‑of‑way and paid for additional footage during original negotiations, and that the relocation would simplify access and development. Lamphere said he was willing to grant additional right‑of‑way as part of an updated plat.

Commissioners and planning staff debated process questions: whether action should be contingent on dedication of additional right‑of‑way, whether the motion should be delayed until the final plat is signed and filed, and whether vacating the section line permanently might limit future state or federal funding if construction standards had not been followed previously. Several commissioners described the matter as a "chicken and egg" issue: the plat and signatures were not finalized, and some commissioners said they would prefer the board continue the hearing until the final plat and signed mylar were available.

The board voted to continue the hearing to the commission’s next meeting so the planning department and applicants can return with final plat documentation and signed exhibits. No vacation or relocation was approved at this meeting.