During a recent city council meeting, the council deliberated on a request from Dr. William Lee Hereford to withdraw a 2.343-acre portion of his property at 1350 Commerce Road from the Maryfield Agricultural Forestal District. The district, established in 1997 and renewed in 2020, is designed to preserve agricultural and forestal lands, allowing single-family homes only for immediate family or farm employees.

Dr. Hereford's request was prompted by a potential buyer who does not meet the district's criteria. The Stanton Agricultural Forestal Advisory Committee reviewed the request and recommended denial, citing a lack of clear guidelines in the city code regarding what constitutes \"good and reasonable cause\" for such withdrawals. However, Dr. Hereford argued that the land is unsuitable for farming due to its steep terrain and previous safety concerns related to farming operations.

The Planning Commission held a public hearing on August 15, where no opposition was voiced, and they unanimously recommended approval of the withdrawal. Dr. Hereford emphasized that the land in question is marginal and has been difficult to manage, describing it as a \"trash piece\" of his property. He expressed that the withdrawal would allow for better management of his farm and contribute to local tax revenue through the development of a quality home.

After extensive discussion among council members regarding the implications of the withdrawal and the need for clearer guidelines for future requests, the council ultimately voted in favor of the withdrawal, aligning with the Planning Commission's recommendation. The motion passed with unanimous support.

In addition to the land use discussion, the council appointed Jason Ball as the new fire chief for the city of Stanton, following a competitive selection process that included input from fire department staff. The appointment was also unanimously approved by the council.

The meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in balancing agricultural preservation with development needs in the city, as well as the importance of establishing clearer guidelines for future land use decisions.