At the December meeting the Clark County Agricultural Advisory Commission opened a broader discussion about county code enforcement related to agricultural properties and agreed to form a small working group to develop priority topics for staff.

Commissioners and staff identified several recurring issues they want the subcommittee to investigate and report back: whether a blanket or documented ag-exempt building-permit process remains in place; the status and implications of prior recommendations on rural events ("On-Farm Events" or "Rural Events" committees); which written and unwritten policies influence enforcement decisions; and how public-safety concerns (life-safety and building-code applicability when the public is present) are being addressed.

Bart (staff) advised the commission that community development (not long-range planning) oversees code enforcement and suggested distilling core topics for a small liaison group rather than attempting to cover everything in one meeting. The commission agreed and committed to a subcommittee of 3-4 members to work with staff and return recommendations in January.

Volunteers who indicated interest at the meeting included Justin Berger and Tyler Berenson (and another member, Dylan Haggerty, was named as a possible participant). Staff clarified small subcommittee meetings do not automatically create a quorum situation and reviewed public-meeting rules for subcommittees.

Next steps: the subcommittee will meet after the new year, develop 3-5 high-priority topics, and present them to Community Development and the full commission ahead of the Jan. 28 meeting. Staff (Bart/Lauren) will help scope background documents, clarify which policies are state-administered (e.g., use programs), and advise on life-safety/code issues raised by building exemptions.

Representative quote: "There's a handful of buildings I'm waiting for them to find on the Heritage Farm property and have something to say about that," the chair said when urging the group to start the work.

Outcome: A subcommittee was formed by volunteer interest; staff and the subcommittee will coordinate timing and scope for reporting back at the January meeting.