Boundary County Planning & Zoning Commission

MINUTES May 17, 2007

Members present: Jake Negley, Tom Hollingsworth, Henry McMahon, Barry Davis, Bruce Behrman, John Kellogg. Members absent: Doug Reoch, Rod Barcklay (provided early notice of absence), Toby Schnuerle. Staff present; Mike Weland.

1. Hollingsworth opened the meeting and called for reading of the April minutes. McMahon made motion to waive reading and approve as mailed, Negley seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

2. Hollingsworth re-opened public hearing on application 07-087 by CC&P. The applicant was not in attendance. Staff read a brief letter submitted by the applicant regarding the lack of specific plans for commercial development. No member of the public spoke regarding the application. Discussion raised questions as to the need or benefit of a zone map amendment, and it was again determined that members desired to hear the rationale from the applicant prior to making a recommendation. Kellogg made motion to again table the application pending receipt of additional information, Davis seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

3. Hollingsworth opened public hearing on application 07-124 by Ann Millard-Gilpin, seeking a conditional use permit to establish and operate the Winnow Classical Riding Academy. Hollingsworth read the procedure and called for the applicant’s statement. Millard-Gilpin stated that the intent is to establish a rehabilitation program, primarily for veterans but also for those suffering problems with alcohol, drugs and eating disorders, using horses as a key aspect in their rehabilitation. She stated that she has more than 20-years as trainer in classical horsemanship and that her partner is a psycho-therapist, and both have considerable experience in managing this type program. McMahon asked about the nature of those who would use such service, asking if they would likely be people with criminal histories or backgrounds and whether the operation would take on the appearance of a half-way house. Millard-Gilpin stated that all candidates for the program would be screened, and while some might have criminal histories, the likelihood of violent offenders or troublemakers taking part in the program was slight. She stated that state licenses would have to be acquired and maintained to provide this service. She stated that much of the focus would be to “train the trainer,” teaching others to provide similar training and offering educational credits for internships. She stated that she was in the process of seeking grants to fund the enterprise, and had already been contacted by the VA, who wish to avail her services for those veterans who’d likely benefit from such program. Millard-Gilpin was asked about staffing; she stated that, as the business grew, she anticipated between 10 and 20 employees, including a staff registered nurse, cooks, stablehands, groomers, etc. There being no further questions, Hollingsworth called for public comment. Andy Armes, Eastport, stated that he thought the idea was a good one. His wife stated that she has been a psychologist for more than 25-years, and stated that programs such as this have been proven to benefit patients. There being no further public comment, the hearing was closed to public testimony and opened to discussion among members. Discussion was held on signage, which was to be directional only, and development in a small part of the property comprising wetland. Staff stated that the site plan showed all construction was sited away from this area, and Millard-Gilpin stated that no development was proposed in the wetland area, and that the whole operation would be environmentally friendly. She stated that the parcel is off the grid, cabin toilets would be composting type to prevent septage problems. Having answered all questions to their satisfaction, Kellogg made motion to approve application 07-124 as presented, Davis seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

4. Hollingsworth called for review of the comprehensive plan, and allowed those in attendance the opportunity to state their views on the changes proposed. Jacob Epstein, Porthill, stated that he didn’t understand how so much of the factual data had been eliminated, saying he was concerned that it would weaken the document and result in a continuation of present policies. Andy Armes stated his concerns regarding the deletion of aquifer and water studies, saying that communities throughout the nation are facing increasing problems with water usage, and that ignoring the problem locally set the stage for similar problems here. Jim Graham cited concerns over deletion of establishing road standards, and was informed that those standards had been adopted. Ada Gardiner questioned the removal of the proposed Agriculture/Forestry zone district designation, and stated that the agriculture designation, which replaced it, doesn’t contain any language protecting scenic beauty. Weland stated that commissioners deliberately retained the full text as originally proposed, marking their proposed deletions with strikethrough and proposed additions with underline. He said that the purpose was to enable everyone in the community who was interested to see both versions, and to enable them to express concerns and opinion at public hearing. He stated that it was likely more than one public hearing would be held, and that further refinement was likely. Discussion was held of the proposed comprehensive land use map. Staff stated that the draft comprehensive plan and the map would be posted on the county website following a final workshop Monday, May 21, and that copies would be made available to the public on CD.

5. Discussion was held of attendance. Hollingsworth said that both Reoch and Barcklay called to say they would not be able to attend, but that again, no one had heard from Schnuerle. Kellogg made motion directing staff to prepare a letter to commissioners asking that they reconsider replacing Schnuerle due to excessive absence. Negley seconded, and the motion carried by a vote of three aye to two nay.

6. There being no further business, McMahon made motion to adjourn, Kellogg seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.