Board of Zoning Appeals Meeting
The meeting began with the approval of the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes.
BZA Petition 2026- 13 – Chris Bierhaus received approval for a “Variance” to move the setback line from
the road to 50’ from 70’ and the side “West” line to 15’ from 30’. This is to build a three car garage and add three rooms to his home.
Area Plan Commission Meeting
The meeting began with the approval of the September 2, 2026 meeting minutes.
APC Petition 2026-19 Park Road Radio LLC – Petitioner requested to table until the November 4, 2026
meeting.
APC Petition 2026-20 Donovan Meyer received approval to rezone 2.25 acres out of 30.34 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to A-2 zoning classification. This request was because Meyer wishes to build a home on the property.
APC Petition 2026-21 Daniel Herbert received approval to rezone 2.25 acres out of 28.09 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to A-2 zoning classification. This request was because they wish to sell this as a residential home building lot.
APC Petition 2026-22 Karen Martinez received approval to rezone 2.99 acres out of 5.75 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to A-2 zoning classification. This request was because she wishes to build a single family home.
APC Petition 2026-23 Mason Eden received approval to rezone 2.99 acres out of 5.111 acres from an A-1 zoning classification to A-2 zoning classification. This request was because he wishes to build a single family home.
Decatur County Revitalization Project Show Cause Hearing
Doug Westerfeld stated that R2026- 33, 34, and 35 have either made improvements to avoid moving towards court or have completely cleaned their property to the satisfaction of his office.
R2026-33 Edward Sweezy
R2026-34 Richard & Denise Cathey
R2026-35 Thomas & Colletta Robbins
R2026-36 Robert & Mary Lee- Mr. Lee stood to say that he didn’t receive the first letter and didn’t know anything until he had a second letter received in September. He stated that he has been working another one of his properties which is also in the blighted property process. The attorney for the APC read the dates that he had notices in both August and September delivered by the sheriff’s department. Mr. Lee stated that he would not be able to get this property done this year due to working on the other property and cutting wood. APC members explained the process and offered suggestions on getting this taken care of before it goes to court. It was also pointed out that the first notice from the office was sent to Mr. Lee in 2003 and a second notice sent May 2010 noticing him that his property required clean up. The APC voted to move this to court with a planned court date of late November.
The APC then held its public hearing Wednesday evening on the county’s proposed Comprehensive Plan. Representatives from HWC, Hailey Roark and Craig Ledeman, reviewed the year-long planning process, which began in November 2025 and included 22 steering committee members, seven meetings, more than 20 organizations and businesses, stakeholder focus groups, public meetings and hundreds of online survey responses. The proposed plan contains 17 chapters and 277 pages and covers Decatur County outside of Greensburg and St. Paul. Discussion centered heavily on language concerning alternative energy, agrivoltaics and data centers. Several APC members and members of the public called for stronger language, while others emphasized keeping the opportunity open for future development and addressing specific restrictions through future ordinances.
After approximately two hours of discussion, the APC voted unanimously to forward the Comprehensive Plan to the Decatur County Commissioners with a favorable recommendation. The commission requested one change to the proposed language regarding alternative energy on agricultural land. The current wording states that “Alternative Energy is generally discouraged on agricultural land but permitted for good cause.” The APC requested that the phrase “but permitted for good cause” be removed. Commissioner and steering committee member Jeremy Pasel also stated that he intends to support extending the county’s current moratoriums on data centers and alternative energy while the Comprehensive Plan is completed and ordinances are developed. The next step will be a public hearing before the Decatur County Commissioners, followed by consideration of formal adoption.
