Propane, distillery added to zoning special exceptions

The Putnam County Commissioners approved two ordinances Monday morning that could allow propane distribution companies and distilleries to set up in the county.

County attorney Jim Ensley explained the zoning ordinances previously excluded these two types of companies from setting up in the county and this would allow potential businesses to go before the Plan Commission for consideration. He noted any existing entities that fall into these categories were grandfathered in as they existed before the zoning was put into place.

The approval of the ordinances designates them as "special exceptions." Once an application is received, the entity would have to appear before the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA).

"Special exception just means they are being added to the list of options. For example, if somebody wanted to bring in a propane distribution tank it would have to go through the application process and go before the BZA, which includes notifying all neighbors within a certain area. It has to be publicized in the newspaper and there has to be a public hearing," Ensley explained.

The propane distribution would be considered a special exception in agricultural 1 or agricultural 2 designated zoning areas, which means it could not be located in industrial or residential areas. The beer, wine and spirits distillery would be a special exception in any zoning district. Ensley noted the distillery would also be subjected to any state and federal laws.

"If granted, the BZA has the right to put any type of parameters on it that they think are necessary based on the concerns of adjoining landowners or the concerns of anyone at the meeting," Ensley explained, noting those parameters could include designations like time limits. Ensley noted someone is interested in creating a small distillery in which they would be distributing alcohol to local bars.

Construction is anticipated to begin June 15 on Bridge 41 in Franklin Township. Putnam County Highway supervisor Mike Ricketts said the bridge on County Road 800 North, between County Roads 100 East and 25 West, is expected to be closed for three weeks.

The commissioners approved a contract with BLS Construction in the amount of $41,933 to pour and set the concrete. Ricketts noted the total cost of the project is expected to stay under $100,000.

Ricketts told the commissioners he would like to use a portion of his bridge fund to assist the Putnam County Sheriff's Department with having offenders weed-eat around the main covered bridges and larger bridges in the area.

Sheriff Scott Stockton said this would help offset the cost of fuel used and any repairs needed on equipment.

"He's letting us use his mower instead of us buying new, we are trying to fiscally be responsible for both agencies. I went to Mike and we are going to use his mower to maintain county properties but in maintaining county properties, that comes out of my fleet budget," Stockton said.

Ricketts said this partnership works well for the two entities.

"If I have to have the guys go out and weed-eat, then they're not filling (pot) holes."