Board of supervisors appoint planning and zoning commission member

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Board of Supervisors voted and approved a new member to fill the vacancy on the county Planning and Zoning Commission during their regular Tuesday meeting this week.

When Supervisor Chair Chad White asked for other county business, Vice Chair Marc Lindeen proposed appointing Kurt Alvine to the position.

According to Lindeen, Alvine resides in the northern portion of Henry County.

Alvine’s residence fits well with the supervisors’ preference for an appointment as they discussed a desire to find someone in this region of the county during other meetings last month that addressed the topic of a wind energy company looking to move into that area.

According to the supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission was currently balanced as far as male and female members as required by Iowa Code 69.16A, but they felt there was not much representation of this region of the county.

Alvine’s residency is consistent with Iowa Code 335.11 which states board members must reside within the county, but outside the corporate limits of any city.

Lindeen made the motion to appoint Alvine, Greg Moeller seconded the motion, and the board approved the appointment unanimously.

According to the vacancy notice posted to the county website, the Planning and Zoning Commission consists of five members that make recommendations concerning rezoning and text amendments to the board of supervisors.

“The commission also makes recommendations to the board of adjustments for certain conditional uses as directed by the zoning ordinance,” the notice states. “The commission meets as needed, usually on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Henry County Courthouse.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com