To The Sarpy County Board of Commissioners:

The Sarpy County Planning Commission held a special meeting Wednesday, February 23, 2000 in the County Board Room at the Sarpy County Courthouse, Papillion, Nebraska. Chair Meyer called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. with the following members present: Charles Buller, Charles Denny, Bill Leonard, John Johnson, Wendy Gottsch, Thomas Wees and Alan Wear. Absent was Denny Nichols, Joe Mangiamelli and Marcia Matthies. Ken Tex, Sarpy County Planning and Zoning Coordinator, Tamra Walz, Sarpy County Deputy Attorney and Cindy Gilbert, Recording Secretary were also present.

Chair Meyer asked for any reports from commissioners. There were none.

Chair Meyer asked for a motion to approve the agenda as submitted. Johnson moved, seconded by Denny to approve the agenda as submitted. Ballot: Ayes - Buller, Denny, Leonard, Johnson, Gottsch, Wees and Wear. Nays - none. Abstain - none. Absent - Nichols, Mangiamelli and Matthies. Motion carried.

Chair Meyer then asked for a motion to approve the minutes as submitted. Johnson moved, seconded by Denny to approve the minutes of the January 26, 2000 meeting as submitted. Ballot: Ayes - Buller, Denny, Leonard, Johnson, Gottsch, Wees and Wear. Nays - none. Abstain - none. Absent - Nichols, Mangiamelli and Matthies. Motion carried.

Ken Tex started the meeting by referring to the handouts from other counties he had provided earlier. He noted the different ways livestock regulations were handled and suggested we take ideas from them and use what would be best for Sarpy County. He reminded them that these new regulations would be for new farm operations, not ones already in existence.

Tamra Walz asked if we were essentially changing definitions of farm and commercial feed lot.

The following represents what was discussed for animal units.

2 feeder or calves under 500 lbs = 1 AU

1 feeder or slaughter steer = 1 AU

3 swine over 50 lbs = 1 AU

10 swine under 50 lbs = 1 AU

1 dairy cow = 1 AU

10 sheep or goat = 1 AU

100 layer or broiler = 1 AU

50 turkeys = 1 AU

1 horse = 1 AU

1 non-traditional farm animal = 1 AU

2 miniature animals = 1 AU

It was also agreed that 300 or less animal units constituted a farm operation and anything more than that would be considered a commercial operation.

At 8:25 p.m., Joe Mangiamelli joined the group.

It was also agreed to create a definition for livestock farms.

In order to be considered a farm, the land will have to be a minimum of 80 contiguous acres.

Any acreage between 10 and 79 acres will only be allowed 1 animal unit per acre unless a special use permit is granted.

A special use permit will be required for all commercial operations. The criteria for the special use permit will include a written operational plan including the setbacks.

Commercial operations will need a minimum of 40 acres to run their business.

Commercial operations must be located at least one-half mile from another residence.

The next meeting will be held on the regularly scheduled meeting date of March 15 at which time we will discuss the land use map and commercial properties.

Ken Tex indicated he would like to have John Yochum speak to the commission about the commercial aspect of our county.

Sincerely,

Sarpy County Planning Commission

Don Meyer, Chair

Cindy Gilbert, Recording Secretary