Commissioners ask comprehensive‑plan consultant to attend planning meeting after draft drew criticism

Keith County commissioners and planning staff said a draft comprehensive plan prepared by the county’s consultant needs clearer direction and closer coordination with the steering committee before widespread public outreach.

Planning administrator Cody (first name on the record) told the board that consultant Keith Marvin had circulated a draft that several steering committee members found unfocused and too heavy on historical narrative rather than forward‑looking planning steps. Committee members questioned apparent population figures and asked for clearer, task‑oriented guidance and a step‑by‑step schedule for collecting public input.

Commissioners said they want the consultant to attend either the next Planning and Zoning meeting (scheduled for June 5) or a special steering‑committee meeting so committee members and commissioners can receive direction on next steps, the outreach timeline and revisions to the survey instrument. One commissioner said the county will likely need to extend an existing 12‑month moratorium on wind and solar permitting while the comprehensive plan update proceeds.

The board asked staff to request that the consultant appear at a planning and zoning or steering‑committee meeting and to prepare a special meeting if commissioners who are also steering‑committee members cannot attend the scheduled date. Staff were also asked to collect and forward amended survey text and a list of specific issues the committee wants addressed so the consultant can respond.