Minutes: September 19, 2002

Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission

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

1. Paulus called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and called for reading of the August minutes. Luedtke stated she didn’t recall using the word, “snubbing” as used in paragraph 5; Kirby stated she did remember use of the word. Luedtke made motion to waive reading of the August minutes and to approve them as presented, Kirby seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Paulus re-opened public hearing on SUP 02-04 and waived reading of the procedure. Applicant Harley Mastre stated that his proposal was clearly outlined in the application and had nothing further to add. Epstein stated he felt it important that landscaping be addressed so as to improve the aesthetics of the area and the economic climate of the community. Mastre stated he had visited similar businesses in a wide area and the standard approach was to maintain a clean site with minimal landscaping so as to reduce costs. Epstein said he felt a tree buffer would be suitable. Reoch asked if there was water to the site, Mastre said there wasn’t. Epstein asked about water for fighting fire, Mastre said there was a hydrant. Mastre stated that South Hill Water did serve the area, but said the income from the enterprise would not support the additional bill. Paulus stated South Hill Water memberships had sold out and no new members were being added. Luedtke stated that any landscaping that would hide the site would increase the potential for vandalism, and said she felt the units proposed would fit in with surrounding uses, including Rico and Fousts. She said she’s not proud of the appearance of that area, and said she wasn’t sure if trees would enhance it. Mastre cited his past business endeavors, including the Pink Lion, and said he put much into improving their appearance and gave his assurance that his current proposal would be clean and nice. Standley asked about the need for an additional storage facility in the county, saying she heard that many here were sitting empty, Mastre said he’d researched the idea for over a year and found that the occupancy rate of existing storage facilities averaged 97% over a four-year period. Epstein asked what measures were being taken to prevent vandalism; Mastre said the aisles would be well lit and a security camera system installed. There being no further questions, Paulus closed public hearing and called for discussion among members. Luedtke said she felt the letter from a neighbor in support of the proposal was indicative of support for the project. Epstein said it was the duty of the commission to consider the comprehensive plan and community design, he said beautification needed to be considered. Paulson stated that the commission had typically done so in considering most applications. Paulus stated that surrounding uses must also be considered and that it was his opinion that the proposal fit in well with Rico, Fousts and Amercan. Luedtke again stated that there had been no objections to the proposal and only support. There being no further discussion, Paulus called for a motion. Kirby made motion to forward to the Board of County Commissioners a recommendation of approval as presented, Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Under new business, Kirby stated that the Idaho State gravel pit off Highway 2 did not meet criteria set for similar operations and said she had safety concerns as people were entering the pit for various reasons. She expressed concern over the lack of fencing and the lack of signage to keep trespassers out of the pit. Staff stated that he would determine if that pit was bound by conditions of a conditional use permit and inform the state if it were; if not, he stated a letter could be sent outlining current gravel pit guidelines and requesting that they bring the existing pit into compliance for improved safety.

4. There being no further business, Kirby made motion to adjourn. Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:55 p.m.