County zoning commission to recommend moratorium

After hearing public comment on a proposed moratorium Monday evening, Holt County planning and zoning commission members voted 6-2 to recommend an 18-month moratorium on all industrial pipeline, wind and solar power development to Holt County Supervisors.

Commission member Mary Kaczor told an audience of more than 35 individuals, that the county’s current comprehensive plan was written in 1980.

“It’s totally out of date,” she said.

The commission has hired Marvin Planning Associates, of David City, to assist with the rewrite of the plan and update of zoning regulations.

According to Kaczor, county residents will be surveyed to provide direction to the commission as they make revisions.

“Where does this county want to head?” Kaczor asked.

Current county regulations do not include carbon dioxide pipelines or solar energy.

“Our number one priority is for the health, safety and well being of Holt County citizens,” Kaczor said.

Approximately 20 individuals spoke against the inclusion of commercial livestock operations requiring a conditional use permit in the moratorium.

Alissa Troyer, representing the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, said Holt County has a livestock-friendly county since 2012.

“Our county’s ability to have local control, through zoning regulations, in addition to state regulation, has continued to foster growth in the livestock industry,” Troyer said.

Commission chair Frank Heying asked attendees wanting ag operations to be removed from the moratorium to raise their hands. The majority of attendees indicated they were in agreement.