Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
The Kimball City Council meeting did not go as the Porters had hoped. Sonny, Kathy and Gerry Porter were somewhat disappointed by the outcome that council rejected their development project.
Sonny Porter said, "Before we commit any more time and money, we need to see what our options are and then see where to go from here."
He encouraged people to come and talk to them about their project. But he said, "Nobody did."
The continuation of the public hearing from last month on the rezoning of 22 acres of land east of Monroe Street, formerly Ridgewood Trailer Park from R-4 (Residential Mobile Home Park) to C-4 (Commercial), lasted an hour with about a dozen people speaking, primarily residents of Monroe Street or the surrounding area. Their opposition to the project centers on such matters as increased traffic, noise, inability of trucks to turn and idling trucks.
After last month's public hearing, at the request of the area residents, the Porters removed overnight truck parking from the rezoning proposal. The most recent proposal includes 44 RV parking spaces, diesel and gas fuel bays, as well as an EV charging station. The Porters also had intentions of building a place to hold events.
When Mayor Keith Prunty called for a motion to approve the application for rezoning, no motion was made, so the application was denied.
Meanwhile, a conditional permit was granted to Aaron and Teresa Deboodt for an irrigation well. The irrigation well was approved by the planning commission. The Deboodts want to be able to water their trees and landscaping on their 3.59 acres.
In other action, Prunty's appointment to fill a vacant seat on the council met with resistance.
In a 2-1 vote with Gabe Ingram and Matt Bright voting no for the appointment and Creg Pike voting yes, Prunty's recommendation to appoint Christy Warner to the council failed. The seat, formerly held by Kim Baliman, will remain open for at least another month until the council approves Prunty's recommendation.
Pike was elected the new council president.
The next meeting for the Kimball City Council will be on June 15.