Shrubs can replace trees at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport because birds are less likely to use the shorter vegetation for nests.
On Wednesday night, the Regional Planning Commission approved a request from Airport Executive Director Mike Olson and Regional Planning Director Chad Nabity to change language in city code concerning landscaping requirements. When new buildings are constructed, the landscaping must include a shade tree, an ornamental tree and three shrubs for every 100 feet of frontage, Nabity said.
The airport will be building a new terminal and parking lot, but Olson raised concerns about adding trees to the Airport Overlay Zone due to federal wildlife management regulations. The Federal Aviation Administration is “very diligent” about airports limiting wildlife habitat, he said.
Two shelter belts along the overlay zone have already been removed because they are favored by deer and birds, Olson said.
Nabity asked for the language to be changed so three shrubs could be substituted for each required tree. However, if a tree wouldn’t cause issues for the airport, it could be planted, he said.
“We’re fine with putting more shrubs instead of trees,” Olson said. “The airport’s board is committed to beautifying the airport. We don’t want to look like a desert.”
He said some trees in the park by the airport will remain in place, while others will need to be removed so the parking lot can be expanded. “We will be vigilant with those trees and watch for nests,” he said.
Planning commission members approved the language change request.
The commission also received information about the countywide hazard mitigation plan. The Federal Emergency Management Agency requires the update every five years. Hall County’s plan is four years old.
Jon Rosenlund, Grand Island/Hall County emergency management director, gave commission members an outline of the higher priority projects, including:
— Emergency backup power.
— Drainage improvements.
— Floodplain management and flood control.
— Reverse 911.
— Public tornado shelters and severe weather awareness education.
— Power line burial.
The list also included medium and lower priority projects such as tree planting information, water supply augmentation, becoming a Tree City USA, hail education, and securing at-risk development such as manufactured homes.
Rosenlund said a series of meetings will be held to gather information and ideas on the projects. Nabity suggested inviting area fire chiefs, emergency management directors and village board members to get their input on potential hazards.
The planning commission will oversee the plan evaluation and revision process, unless another agency or board is designated by the Hall County Board. The previous plan, along with the goals and objectives outlined in it, will be reviewed and revised as needed, Rosenlund said.
In other action, the planning commission:
— Approved a language change in the accessory building and uses section of the city code to reflect current practices. The ordinance was written based on the frontage of a lot and not the width of a lot. City staff recommended changing the language to be consistent with the interpretation and enforcement of the regulation.
— Approved the final plat of the Dinsdale Subdivision on west Webb Road and north of Stolley Park Road. The subdivision consists of 12.5 acres and two lots.
The next Regional Planning Commission meeting is Feb. 6.
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