Minutes

Boundary County Planning & Zoning Commission

July 17, 2008

Members present: Jan Christenson, Doug Reoch, Jake Negley, Tom Hollingsworth, Matt Morgan. Members absent: Rod Barcklay, Henry McMahon (both called), Barry Davis, Bruce Behrman. Staff present: Mike Weland.

1. Hollingsworth introduced members and called for reading of the June minutes. Reoch made motion to waive reading and accept as mailed, Negley seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Hollingsworth opened public hearing on application 08-087 and reviewed procedure. Scott Pierson, representing the owner, described the mini storage facility and stated it had been in operation since the early 1960s. He stated that in the process of obtaining financing, the owners learned that the property was zoned residential, and were told by the financers that it would be beneficial to have the property zoned commercial based on use. He stated that there had been discussion of adding more storage units, but that there were no concrete plans in place at present for expansion. He said that zoning the property rural community/commercial would allow more flexibility when and if it was decided to expand. Discussion was held on the layout of the storage facility, easements and access. Discussion was held on uses permitted in the rural community/commercial zone district. No member of the public was present to speak in favor, uncommitted, or against. There being no public testimony, written or verbal, Hollingsworth called for discussion among members. It was noted that through the comprehensive plan process, these parcels had been identified on the comprehensive plan map as rural community/commercial. Morgan made motion to forward to county commissioners a recommendation of approval, Christenson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Discussion was held on the process for developing the zoning and subdivision ordinance, and members in attendance were provided copies of the working draft. Members agreed with the process outlined by staff, and set workshops for each Monday and Wednesday evening in the courtroom or jury room from 6 to 8 p.m. Staff stated that he would set up a website on the ordinance process, with a schedule of members who would attend, and requested that those who planned to attend a meeting notify him on Friday for the following week. If no member was available for a specific date, that workshop would be cancelled. Hollingsworth requested staff provide each member a copy of the current ordinances to allow comparison.
4. Hollingsworth called for discussion on absences, noting that Davis had missed three meetings without explanation. Reoch said that with the zone ordinance process, it was essential that members be available. Reoch made motion to have staff draft a letter to Davis to find out his intentions as regards membership on the planning and zoning commission, Negley seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
5. There being no further business, Reoch made motion to adjourn, Negley seconded and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.