3/10/2010

By DAVID CLOUSTON

Salina Journal

Let it be clear, Saline County's planning and zoning department is available and is involved in helping county landowners in their appeals to the Federal Emergency Management Agency concerning proposed revisions to the floodplain map.

Vicki Koepsel, the county's planning and zoning director, said a statement Monday by Dean Andrew, the city's planning director, concerning the county not assisting in the appeals process was not correct.

In a discussion Monday with city commissioners, Andrew said the city is handling appeals from county residents.

Koepsel said she wasn't sure what Andrew was referring to "because we have been working with people and helping people."

Koepsel told county commissioners at their meeting Tuesday that 127 county property owners have letters of authorization from FEMA that their property was elevated out of the floodplain -- either because FEMA's map had wrong information or they had brought in fill dirt to raise the elevation of their property.

Eight landowners had copies of letters from FEMA but nevertheless couldn't be found in FEMA's computer database. Koepsel's office has worked with those eight individuals, Koepsel said.

The 90-day period for the city and county to make an appeal for corrections to the proposed map ends March 18. The map is set to take effect in spring 2011.

Koepsel also informed commissioners about the agenda for the upcoming monthly county planning commission meeting scheduled for April 5. The commission will consider a text amendment to make temporary fireworks stands permissible in all zoning districts, as per revisions in the county's fireworks ordinance endorsed by the county commission.

Assistant sought

Later in the day Tuesday, county commissioners met with Joe Koch, director of Saline County Emergency Management, to discuss a proposal to make the office assistant, who handles reception duties and clerical support, a full-time rather than a half-time position. That position is now vacant.

Based on the 2010 pay scale and current insurance rates, the salary for the position would go up from $12,502.60 to $33,775.24.

Koch said making the job full time would make the assistant available for research and support duties involved with applying for grants, which could help support office operations.

Commissioners indicated their support for making the job full time for the reasons Koch cited but said they can't afford to do so at this time.

"If you can come up with $10,000 to $12,000 from a grant or somewhere else to help carry it for a couple of years, we'll talk to you," Commissioner John Reynolds said.

n Reporter David Clouston can be reached at 822-1403 or by e-mail at dclouston@salina.com.

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