Nemaha Commissioners Updated On Comprehensive Plan Advancement

The Nemaha County Comprehensive Plan continues to be a work in progress, county officials were informed Wednesday morning, April 8.
John Shepard of Marvin Planning Consultants and Deborah Heidzig, Nemaha County Planning Commission chair shared the development process to date.
Shepard emphasized four points which have come out from the process: keeping the rural character of farmland central while emphasizing agriculture first; focusing new growth in cities and villages; supporting economic growth without losing the county’s identity and stressing housing as a strategic issue. Meetings with the public will continue, he said.
A draft comprehensive plan has been compiled and will be placed on the county’s website to keep the public informed on the procession.
Shepard continued the plan will look 20 years into the future with a 10-year implementation. Goals, policies and action items will be presented to the commissioners, he added.
The consultant indicated zoning regulations as a rational basis of the draft. That includes what do Nemaha County residents want to be over the next 20 years. Zoning needs to be part of the overall capital plan and budgeting process, Shepard related.
“We want Nemaha County to be everything its residents want to be. Deb’s really done a great job. We’ve had public involvement and productive conversations,” he noted.
Shepard said the Marvin Planning representatives have started talking with the planning commission on zoning, including land use districts and permits. He continued in most counties his firm works with, the planning commission makes recommendations with the county board making the final decision. Performance standards are also discussed, the consultant stated.
A lot of options will be given to the Nemaha County Planning Commission, Shepard noted. Livestock feeding opportunities will be discussed in May with renewable energy in June and July, he added.
The future land use map will be the basis of the zoning map, the consultant indicated.
“We’ve had more progress going through conversations. It was worth the time,” Shepard said.
“As we discuss livestock feeding and renewables, we want to give equal opportunity with an unbiased approach. We want to ask residents what they want or can manage on both sides. There are some challenges that we can address,” Heidzig noted.
It is hoped to have most of the zoning aspect in place by late fall or the end of 2026, she continued.
“We’d like feedback from the county commissioners on the progress and what goals you might have with zoning. Zoning is more complicated than anyone thought,” the chair related.
Bryan Mellage, District 2 commissioner, replied he has had minimal input from the public. Chair Michael Weiss, District 3 commissioner, indicated he has been asked why zoning is not done and tells those who inquire it remains an ongoing process.
Heidzig related the staff of Marvin Planning Consultants have been “a great resource” in guiding the county planning commission through the process.
“Everyone has been willing to work with us. The county and community has been positive in the process,” she concluded.