Presenters brief commission on Buffalo Mound unmarked burial sites; zoning board asked to consider preservation

Members of the public and local presenters provided commissioners with historical information about Buffalo Mound and seven Unmarked Burial Sites in Wabaunsee County during the April 6 meeting.

Mel Stout and Jon Boursaw provided hard-copy materials about the sites and their history; the minutes note that the Kansas Historical Society keeps site locations confidential "to prevent disruption of the sites" and classifies them as archaeological rather than historical landmarks. The minutes record that the Zoning Administrator issued the permit in accordance with Wabaunsee County's Zoning Regulations and that the project falls under Article 30, which exempts monuments from height restrictions provided setback requirements are met. The minutes say "the next steps for the landowner will be to work through the State's application process" and that the county does not have further action to take at this time.

Attendees asked the Zoning Administrator to develop a working relationship with the State Archaeologist and to communicate the presence of archaeological sites to permit applicants; they also requested the Zoning Board consider preservation of historic landmarks and archaeological sites when reviewing permits. Christine Crenshaw asked that the height restriction apply to monuments and anything else constructed in the county. Commissioners indicated the Zoning Board would add the topic to their agenda for future discussion.