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Commission schedules public comment April 17 on Manhattan's annexation request for 5111 Murray Road
Summary
Jacob Hansen, deputy county counselor, asked the commission to set a public comment period so the board could make required statutory findings on a city annexation request; commissioners scheduled comment for the April 17 meeting and directed staff to provide recommendations.
Deputy county counselor Jacob Hansen briefed commissioners on a city of Manhattan island-annexation request for a parcel at 5111 Murray Road and the board's statutory obligation to make a finding within 30 days of receiving the application.
Hansen said statute requires the board to determine whether the annexation would "hinder or prevent the proper growth and development of the area." He said the statute does not require a public hearing but recommended a public comment period to gather input before the board makes its formal finding.
Hansen recommended a short public comment period during a regular meeting; commissioners set that public comment period for the April 17 regular meeting and asked county staff to prepare a staff recommendation packet that includes the planning and clerk's review. Hansen said the board will make its factual finding and then he will prepare a resolution reflecting that decision for commissioners to sign at a subsequent meeting.
Commissioners emphasized the session should not be called a public hearing to avoid confusion about process. The April 17 public comment period will allow standard three-minute public remarks and provide staff materials to the board ahead of the finding.
Hansen noted the board's findings should reference the county and city comprehensive plans and other relevant factors when determining whether the annexation would hinder proper growth and development.
