Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission

Minutes

September 18, 2003

Members present: Jim Paulus, Jane Kirby, Mary Ann Luedtke, Rod Barcklay, Doug Reoch. Members absent: Toby Schnuerle, Donna Standley, Marc Paulson. Staff present: Mike Weland.

1. Paulus called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and called for reading of the August minutes. Kirby moved to waive reading and approve the August minutes as presented; Barcklay seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Paulus opened public hearing on application SUB 01-03 by Dan and Katie Meddock. Surveyor Steve Moyer spoke on their behalf, saying the applicant’s intent was to revert the Lazy L Acres subdivision to its original configuration. Luedtke asked why the plat had been amended in 1992, Katie Meddock said that the amendment was made on an agreement with a former neighbor, but the configuration wraps around a parcel now owned by a new neighbor, and the former configuration as originally platted better suited the needs of the new neighbors. No member of the public spoke in favor of or against the proposal. Following brief discussion, Kirby made motion to approve application SUP 01-03 as presented, Barcklay seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Paulus opened public hearing on application SUB 03-02 by Al and Beverly Van Alstyne, seeking to amend the plat of the Ervin Jantz subdivision. No member of the commission cited conflict of interest. Al Van Alstyne read the text of the application. Kirby asked for clarification of vacate plat; staff stated that the application was actually a plat amendment and that county commissioners had held public hearing on an application to vacate the plat and denied that application as such vacation would cloud the legal record created by the plat and that other avenues were available in our ordinance to achieve the aim of the applicants. Paulus called for testimony from those in favor of the proposal. Jack Tice, an adjoining property owner, stated that he favored the application because additional housing would enhance property values. He stated that the area is growing. He said the area is currently in alfalfa, and that it is hard to get farmers in to cultivate the crops. He said that two acre parcels were a plus to the community, providing enough land for a home and garden. There was no additional comment, uncommitted, in favor or opposed. There being no further testimony, Paulus closed the hearing to public input and called for discussion among members. Reoch asked about the availability of water. Tice stated he was a member of the Three Mile Water Board, and said that water and all other utilities were available. Kirby said that based on the fact that there was no opposition to the proposal, she felt a recommendation of approval was appropriate. Luedtke concurred. There being no further discussion, Paulus called for a motion. Reoch made motion to forward to County Commissioners a recommendation that SUB 03-02 by Al and Beverly Van Alstyne be approved, Kirby seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Paulus called for discussion of a recommendation for the appointment of a new member. Letters of interest were submitted by Tom Hollingsworth, Don Plato and Barry Ellis Coleman. Coleman was in attendance. Luedtke stated that she was impressed by Hollingsworth’s application, his experience as a small businessman, his volunteer work in the community and his prior experience in Realty. Reoch said he knew Plato and thought he would be a good member of the commission, but said he was disappointed by his lackadaisical effort in submitting his letter of interest. Paulus noted that Coleman had attended two hearings, and thanked him for his interest. There being no further discussion, Paulus called for a motion. Luedtke made motion to forward to commissioners a recommendation that Tom Hollingsworth be appointed to fill the current vacancy on the Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission. Kirby seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

5. Under old business, Kirby said she still had concerns about the home business definition proposed in AM 03-02. Discussion was held. As the proposal had already been submitted to County Commissioners, no action was taken.

6. There being no further business, Kirby made motion to adjourn. Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.