Maysville rejects annexation on split vote

Councilmen Stephan Lewis and Clay Dorsey each supported the man’s request, which Villyard also voted in favor of last month following the annexation ordinance’s first reading.

At the time, Villyard expressed her conflict on the rezoning in particular. She repeated her concerns on Monday before changing her vote to no and scuttling the issue for lack of a three-vote quorum.

“I remain very ambivalent about it, simply because there is no plan whatsoever,” she said. “I feel like it leaves way the door for things we may not anticipate … I’d love to see it annexed in, I’d love to see a plan before the council so we have something different to work with.”

Before the vote, both Lewis and Mayor Jerry Baker asked Adams if he had any more thoughts or ideas regarding his intentions with the property listed at 118 Freeman Drive.

“I don’t think at this time you have a plan anyway,” Baker said. “I just think you want to plan for the future.”

Adams agreed and then asked for confirmation that any potential developer would face additional scrutiny through the city’s permitting processes.

“Anybody in the city, whether they want to build anywhere, that permit has to be approved, right?”

Baker answered “yes” and then briefly described the rules oriented process.

“I’m clear on that part,” Villyard added. “It’s just the wide berth that C2 allows. That is what I’m struggling with.”

Lewis then voiced his support for Adams’ proposal saying the property is better suited for C2.

“If something junky comes in, Mr. Adams has more to lose than anyone else,” he said. “I’d rather have Maysville have more control than someone else.”

Dorsey made the motion and Lewis seconded his approval, which followed the planning and zoning board’s recommendation. Villyard’s vote came last.

“That’s final,” Baker said, questioning Villyard. “No more discussion?”

“We voted,” she answered flatly.

The regular meeting was the last for Baker, who did not seek reelection, as well as Villyard and Dorsey, each of whom was defeated in re-election bids.

Adams can reapply in six months, city attorney Jody Cooley said during an earlier public hearing on Adams’ request.