(Spirit Lake)– The Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission Monday voted five-to-nothing on separate motions recommending the board of supervisors approve Tax Increment Finance proposals for the Shore Acres and West Sioux Estates subdivisions on the northwest side of Big Spirit Lake and southwest of Milford, respectively. In both cases TIF proceeds would be used to upgrade roads in exchange for them being taken over by the county.
Scott Bowermeister, an attorney representing Shore Acres residents, told the commission time is of the essence. He said the TIF District needs to be established by December 1st in order for the district to be able to tap into increases in valuation that have taken place since 2003.
While the commission also recommended approval of the TIF proposal for West Sioux Estates, they attached a stipulation that proposed upgrades for roads in that area meet the approval of the County Engineer. Currently one road in the subdivision doesn’t meet county specs due to its length and a cul-de-sac. But Earl Maahs, an attorney representing the subdivision, said he had received assurrances in the past from the County Engineer that it would be alright. Maahs added that residents have signed an agreement saying they’d be willing to dedicate any right-of-way that’s needed to expand the roads. With that the commission voted to approve the recommendation contingent on the plans being approved by the County Engineer.
The P & Z also briefly reviewed the county’s policy on billboards at the request of supervisor Paul Johnson who wants to see tougher regulations on them. The P & Z took no action, saying they want to review model ordinances from other areas. In addition, Chairman David Baker said he wants to hear firsthand from Johnson as to just what his concerns are.
