Minutes

Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission

March 21, 2002

Members present: Jane Kirby, Jim Paulus, Marc Paulson, Lon Merrifield, Donna Standley, Mary Ann Luedtke.

Members absent: Chris Boyer, Ed Torrence

Staff present: Mike Weland

Guests present: Jacob Epstein, Doug Reoch, Dennis Swenson

1.      Paulus called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. in the small courtroom and called for reading of the January and February minutes. Kirby made motion to waive reading and to accept the minutes as presented, Merrifield seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

2.      Staff reported that, due to adverse weather conditions, representatives of Columbia Wireless requested that hearing on SUP 01-05 be tabled until the next regular meeting.

3.      Paulus opened site plan review ZC 02-01 for Ray Hittle. Luedtke said she didn’t see a problem with the proposal and stated that the goal of the commission was to encourage commercial development in that area. After discussion, Merrifield made motion to approve the site plan as presented; Luedtke seconded. Paulus asked if there was discussion of the motion, Standley said that she was concerned that no landscaping was planned. Kirby and Luedtke concurred that for the type business, no landscaping was necessary as all space would be used for parking and driveways. There being no further discussion, Paulus called for a vote and the motion passed unanimously.

4.      Paulus called for review of letters of interest from citizens to fill vacancies on the Planning and Zoning Commission, which had been received from Jacob Epstein and Doug Reoch. Paulus stated he would have liked to have received more letters. Weland stated the announcements had been run three times in the newspaper and had been on the radio since the position vacancy came open. Luedtke said it was her opinion that after such coverage, it was unlikely there would be any more letters. Discussion was held regarding adjusting the number of members on the commission from nine to seven; Paulson said he preferred having nine members as it allowed for more points of view and said he liked the two candidates, but felt the announcement should be continued until the next meeting. Kirby said she felt enough time had passed. After discussion, Paulus tabled making a recommendation on letters of interest to fill Planning and Zoning Commission positions until the next meeting.

5.      On old business, Paulus called for continued discussion of proposed zoning ordinance amendments. Paulson said he liked the letter submitted by Torrence regarding home-based businesses. After discussion, Paulus directed staff to merge Torrence’s letter into the proposal per discussion and to schedule continued discussion on the April agenda. Members concluded that the remaining proposals were acceptable as written.

6.      There being no further business before the Planning and Zoning Commission, Merrifield made motion to adjourn, Paulson seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.