Minutes – Special Meeting

Boundary County Planning and Zoning Commission

January 28, 2009

AS AMENDED AND ADOPTED FEBRUARY 15, 2009

Members present: Jan Christensen, Doug Reoch, Steve Shelman, Rod Barcklay, Henry McMahon, Matt Cossalman, Bruce Behrman. Excused: Matt Morgan. Absent: Jake Negley. Staff present: Mike Weland

Reoch opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. Barcklay raised concerns over amendments to the agriculture/forestry objectives made during the January 15 meeting, saying the change proposed did not meet those objectives established in the Comprehensive Plan.

Steve Tanner said the plan was faulty, as it was written by Weland, who had an agenda.

Discussion was held on possible ways to amend the original text to better accommodate Cossalman’s suggestions, Cossalman explained his rationale for making the recommendation as ground work for other changes he felt needed in the section that had yet to be reviewed. Barcklay advocated a return to the original language and McMahon concurred; but Jan said that the amendment had been voted on and passed, and wondered if it was proper to overturn the decision made. McMahon stated that he wasn’t aware that the measure had been voted on, and he agreed with Jan.

Terry Capurso said it was improper to overturn a vote and that he wouldn’t stand by for it. Wilma Wallace asked when Cossalman’s appointment was effective; staff stated that, by resolution, it didn’t begin until February 1, but that Hollingsworth had resigned prior to the conduct of business at the last meeting, and Matt informally assumed his seat on the commission. Staff stated that, in his experience, there had never been a similar occurrence, and that he would consult with commissioners and legal counsel to determine the legalities. Attorney Lewis Marshal later wrote, “Cosselman's vote would be of no effect until he was officially appointed by the board.”

McMahon, citing the confusion, made motion to adjourn the meeting without action, and to resume meetings in February, when the questions of Cossalman’s status would not be in question. Staff stated that special meetings needed to be scheduled for February. After discussion, special meetings were set for February 4 and 11, with the regular meeting on February 19. That done, McMahon confirmed his motion, Christensen seconded, and the motion carried with five members voting aye and Cossalman abstaining. The meeting adjourned at 6 p.m.