SIDNEY — The Zoning Board of Appeals re-elected David Fleming to chair and Thomas Ehler to vice chair at the Monday afternoon meeting.

Also as apart of new business, Grace Baptist Church had its request unanimously approved to allow a 15-foot front yard setback, where 25-feet is the minimum allowed, at 137 W. Edgewood St., in the single family residence district. The church is planning an addition for an auditorium and new entryway. The property met the required exceptions to grant the variance.

The board also granted the request of Choice One Engineering, on behalf of Cargill Inc., for a variance to allow a gravel parking facility, where a paved surface is required, at 2280 Industrial Drive, in the general industrial district.

Community Services Director Barbara Dulworth said staff recommends the board to allow the gravel drive “due to the number of the extraordinary number of trucks entering and leaving Cargill and due to the safety benefits to the community of having trucks off the streets.” She said the drive will reduce the number of trucks waiting on the street to drop off and pick up loads.

A representative for Cargill confirmed they have approximately 600 trucks per day coming and going, and that the gravel drive will be temporary. Cargill is committed to pave a new concrete driveway within five years.

Mike Dodds, executive director of the Sidney Shelby Economic Partnership, spoke in support of the variance.

“It will help the logistics situation not only for Cargill, but for the safety for pedestrians and traffic and a number of other industries that are located on Industrial Drive, and I think this is certainly going to be a great addition to their off-street parking,” said Dodds.

The request was granted on a 4-1 vote, with Richard Sommer voting no.