Boundary County Planning and Zoning

MINUTES

August 15, 2002

Members present: Mary Ann Luedtke, Jim Paulus, Jane Kirby, Jacob Epstein, Lon Merrifield, Donna Standley. Members absent: Marc Paulson, Doug Reoch. Staff present, Mike Weland

1. Paulus opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m., read the attendance and called for reading of the June minutes. Luedtke made motion to waive reading and approve the minutes as mailed, Merrifield seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Paulus reopened public hearing on SUP 02-03 and waived reading of the procedure as no members of the public were in attendance. The hearing was opened for discussion among members. Epstein stated it was his feeling that the proposed use was not well suited for the area as the parcel is zoned agriculture/forestry and surrounding uses are predominantly agricultural. The issue of commercial access as required by the Idaho Department of Transportation was discussed, no one was on hand to address questions of the applicant. Following discussion, Standley made motion to recommend that application SUP 02-03 be disapproved, Kirby seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Paulus opened public hearing on SUP 02-04, staff reported that the applicant had been called to Missoula and was unable to attend the hearing. Epstein stated he was not opposed to the application, but said he felt that landscaping needs to be considered, that one of the positive roles the P&Z commission could play was to establish landscaping requirements irrespective of surrounding uses. Kirby stated that landscaping for such an enterprise could be conducive to vandalism and theft and that she felt it was inappropriate to financially burden applicants for the expense of installing and maintaining landscaping. Merrifield stated he favored requiring landscaping, saying that such application would, in time, improve the appearance of the community and improve the economic viability of the community. Following discussion, Standley made motion to table the application pending receipt of additional information and to allow questions of the applicant. Epstein seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

4. The planning and zoning commission accepted the resignation of Ed Torrence. Luedtke stated she had spoken with Rod Barcklay, who expressed interest in serving. Paulus said it was important for members to network and to seek out individuals who may be interested, noting that recent attempts to recruit applicants were not well received. Staff was directed to post notice of the vacancy, members were encouraged to find individuals interested and have them submit letters of interest to planning and zoning.

5. Under old business, Paulus opened the floor for discussion on AM 02-01. Luedtke stated that she felt the board of county commissioners, through request for amendment, were snubbing the nine members of the planning and zoning commission who had thoroughly considered the proposals submitted. Following discussion, Luedtke made motion to table action on AM 02-01 until January. Merrifield seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

6. Epstein questioned the state’s comprehensive review policy, stating that the five year cycle for review as he understood it was approaching. Weland stated that the state recommended a review of the plan every five years, and that if the consensus of the Planning and Zoning Commission was that changes were necessary, application for amendment could be made. Epstein asked if review could be something considered, staff said a review could be included on the agenda.

7. There being no further business before the Planning and Zoning Commission, Kirby made motion to adjourn. Epstein seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.