Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission

MINUTES

January 18, 2007

Members present: Doug Reoch, Jake Negley, John Kellogg, Tom Hollingsworth, Henry McMahon.

Members absent: Rod Barcklay, Toby Schnuerle, Barry Davis, Bruce Behrman

Staff present: Mike Weland

1. Chairman Hollingsworth called the meeting to order and called for reading of the November minutes. Kellogg made motion to waive reading and adopt the minutes as presented, Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
2. At the request of applicant Dave Kramer, who had another meeting to attend, and with consent of applicant Gary Williams, Hollingsworth rearranged the agenda, moving election of officers to the final item, and opened public hearing on application VAR 0606. After reviewing procedure, Kramer described the parcel and stated that a portion of approximately five acres or slightly less was separated from the remainder by U.S. 95, forming a triangle near milepost 496. He stated the parcel had existing access, which also accessed two other parcels, and that power was available at the highway. There was no staff report. No member of the public spoke in favor, uncommitted or opposed. Hollingsworth closed the hearing to public testimony and called for discussion. There was none. Reoch made motion to approve application VAR 0606 as presented, Negley seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Hollingsworth opened public hearing on application LLA 0601. Steve Klatt, representing the applicant, stated that the request was to correct an oversight made on the original plat so as to adjust the line between two lots to better fit the topography. Gary Williams stated that as the line lay, it awkwardly divided an existing meadow, and that by adjusting it, the new line would follow a slight ridge which was a more suitable dividing point. Klatt stated that no road alignment would be changed. There was no staff report, and no public testimony, in favor, uncommitted or opposed. Hollingsworth closed the hearing to public comment and called for discussion. There was none. Kellogg made motion to approve application LLA 0601 as presented, Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Hollingsworth called for election of officers. Kellogg nominated Hollingsworth to continue as chair, McMahon seconded and the nomination carried unanimously. Kellogg nominated Reoch to continue as co-chair, McMahon seconded and the nomination carried unanimously. Hollingsworth said he favored having a rotating chairmanship so as to give each member the opportunity to conduct meetings, stating his concern that having a regular chair gave the public the impression that one person “managed” the commission. He stated that as chair, he felt no more important than any other member, but merely led the meetings and voted to break ties. Staff stated he would check to see if state code mandated the position of chair and co-chair and would report at the next meeting.
5. Hollingsworth recognized the volunteer work and dedication the late Julian Bucher contributed to county planning, saying that he was always involved and always brought knowledge and reason to issues. He cited Julian’s active participation in the recent comprehensive plan review process, saying that Mr. Bucher attended many of the workshops and meetings, and contributed significantly to the project. Members concurred, and it was agreed that his involvement through the years contributed greatly to the planning effort in Boundary County, and that his participation and counsel would be missed.
6. There being no further business before the commission, McMahon made motion to adjourn, Reoch seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m.