Ashlee Ryman and Andrew Grossnickle, left, address the County BZA during its regular meeting Jan. 9. In the middle is Matt Sandy, area plan director. In the back are John Beer, Kevin McSherry, Lee Harman and Randy Cox. Seen in the background is Andy Heltzel, assistant planner. Not shown is Ron Robinson. Photo by Lauren Zeugner

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

WARSAW —  For the first time in over a year, the Kosciusko County Board of Zoning Appeals approved a petition regarding an event hall during its regular meeting Tuesday morning, Jan. 9.

Ashlee Ryman and her attorney, Andrew Grossnickle, came before the board with two requests: an exception to allow commercial recreation in a commercial district and a variance to put up an 8-foot residential fence.

Ryman and her husband, Brian, have purchased the former Methodist Church in Pierceton and intend to turn it into an event hall for events such as weddings, wedding receptions and graduation events.

Grossnickle explained the fencing would go around the front of the property and the northwest property line, providing privacy to two adjacent neighbors.

Lee Harman, president of the BZA, asked about Ryman’s plans to keep the celebrations from becoming too rambunctious. Grossnickle explained the client contract bans fireworks and open flames, and clients would be required to follow town noise ordinances. Asked about hours of operation, Ryman said the music would stop at 11 p.m. with the events ending at 11:30 p.m. All parties would be required to be off the site by midnight.

When asked about parking, Ryman and Grossnickle explained there is onsite parking. The Rymans have a contract with another business owner in town to use their parking lot and there is street parking as well. Capacity for events will be mandated by state fire codes.

Jodi Mikesell’s petition for an exception to allow light manufacturing in a commercial district was also approved. Mikesell purchased the Bart’s Water Sports building on SR 13. Precision Wire Supply, located across the street from the location, will be moving in and expanding its business. It makes automotive wire harnesses for transit buses and similar vehicles.

Moving into the location will allow the business, which has about 40 employees, to expand, although Bart’s building is three times larger than its current location. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

In other business the BZA approved the following cases:
• A request from Duane Dial to elevate his home and allow a garage addition 20.9 feet from the water’s edge and 9.1 feet from the right of way. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• A petition from Kara Waldbeser to allow a carport to remain 4 feet from the east property line and 9 feet, 6 inches from the right-of-way of the road. Ben Waldbeser, the petitioner’s father, represented her at the hearing. He explained he didn’t know he need a permit and the carport was to assist his daughter who has medical issues where she cannot handle cold temperatures. The BZA noted the carport is further from the roadway than the neighbor’s house. The property is located in Van Buren Township.

• A petition from Richard and Ronna Kawsky for a variance permitting an existing garage be rebuilt with a second story added and adding a one-car garage addition to the existing garage. The BZA approved an amended site plan provided by the contractor which moved the garage so it was 20 feet from the right-of-way of the road where before it was 16 feet 3 inches from the right of way The property is located in Plain Township.

• A petition from Richard and Julie Twibell for a variance permitting the construction of
of a covered porch. A neighbor did come forward asking a question. They thought the work would be done on the side of the house rather than the front. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• A petition from James Trantor for a variance that would permit the construction of a new residence 25 feet 10 inches from the water’s edge. Attorney Steve Snyder explained there are two houses on the lot that will be removed and replaced with a new home that will gain more set back from the water’s edge. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

• A petition from Terry and Janet Postma to allow a shed to remain 8 feet 9 inches from the west property line. The property is in Tippecanoe Township.

• A petition from Kurt Carlson to allow the placement of a solar array on a tract with two houses. Carlson explained the solar panels can’t go on his roof as there are too many trees. HIs property is well buffered from the road and neighbors. He intends to go 100% solar on his property.

• A petition from Robby Anderson for a variance to allow a covered deck to remain. The deck was replaced after being damaged in a storm, however Anderson did not get a permit for the work. He was asked to get an after-the-fact permit.

• A petition from Byron Miller for a variance for the construction of a residence addition 32 feet from the water’s edge and open decking 20 feet from the water’s edge. The property is located in Turkey Creek Township.

• A petition from Wietholter for a variance to construct a second floor onto a home. The home was constructed in 1949 and the foundation will support a second floor. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• A petition from Deron and Dawn Roche for a variance for the construction of a residence 18 feet from the right of way of the road. A neighbor came forward in support of the project. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

• A petition from Danielle Butcher for a variance to permit allowing a residence under construction to remain 32 feet from the right-of-way. The Butchers expect the home to be complete within the next 18-24 months. They were instructed to get an after-the-fact permit. The property is located in Seward Township.

• A petition from Scott Krebs to permit an accessory building to remain 4 feet from the east property line. The shed was placed without a permit. Krebs explained the shed replaced one that was there before and is used to store his father’s golf cart as well as provide a place for family to hang out. His family owns five properties in the area. He was instructed to get an after-the-fact permit. The property is located in Tippecanoe Township.

There was once continuance from Randy Warren. The BZA approved his request for a residential addition. The property is located in Seward Township.