As the City of Manning investigates the possibility of a reinstatement of their control over zoning in a two-mile perimeter of the community, they are also working to ensure residents and businesses in that region understand this request is not about hindering agriculture. Manning City Administrator, Dawn Meyer, broached the subject with the Carroll County Board of Supervisors Monday. She says they are just beginning the process of exploring the possibility of this reinstatement, but she and the board thought it prudent to see if it was feasible before diving into the due diligence needed to move forward. She says, first and foremost, they want to ensure it is made clear that this is not ag-related.
Meyer says the council believes most people will see no impact at all. The only thing they have discussed is that they would like to see larger parcels, not half-acre, one- or two-acre lots. She presented the example of a cluster of smaller parcels that have been developed on the south side of Manning. This means the city won’t be able to expand in that direction.
She adds it makes more sense for Rural Water to serve one house, but, conversely, it makes more sense for the city to serve eight houses. She says one of the main considerations is the installation of safety features.
Several of the supervisors say they have been contacted since the topic was announced as an agenda item for Monday, and all agree there needs to be an informational meeting held prior to any more conversations. The supervisors and Meyer have decided to move forward by having County Attorney, John Werden, review the proposition and to plan a gathering to give residents the chance to voice their concerns and gather more information. In Carroll County the cities of Glidden and Carroll retain two-mile zoning control.
