Bonner County planning staff cleared to proceed with countywide comprehensive-plan workshops; public asked for more notice

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners voted to allow the Planning Commission to proceed with a series of open-house workshops on the county’s comprehensive-plan land-use component, while reserving the option to add locations to improve geographic distribution and public access.

Planning Director Jacob Bell told the board the planning commission proposed a "traveling show" of workshops and listed the locations and dates: Sandpoint (the night of the meeting), Priest River (Dec. 10 at the library), Valley (Northside Elementary, Dec. 17), a holiday break, Blanchard (Jan. 7 at the community center), Segal (Segal Elementary, Jan. 14) and Clark Fork (Clark Fork High School, Jan. 28). Bell said one location still required confirmation and could be scheduled later in January or early February.

Commissioners and several members of the public emphasized the need for broader geographic coverage. Commissioner Williams suggested adding Coqualala (spelled in the record as "Coqualala") and said winter travel conditions counsel favoring wider distribution so residents in outlying areas can attend. Resident Cheryl Messer said the workshop was not sufficiently advertised and requested more lead time and that scheduling avoid the holidays. Resident John Dupree asked that Blanchard, already scheduled for Jan. 7, remain on that date to allow more notice.

The board approved a motion that allowed planning staff to proceed with the scheduled workshops but explicitly did not declare the schedule "sufficient," leaving open the option for the Planning Department to add locations and expand outreach if attendance is low. The motion was recorded in a roll call with Commissioners Williams and Bradshaw voting yes; Commissioner Korn was excused.

Background and format

Bell described the events as open houses, running 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., where residents can review materials, speak with planners, and leave comments without a formal presentation. He said flyers have been posted on the county website for each location, and the Planning Commission sought the board’s input on whether the number of locations is adequate.

Ending

Planning staff will proceed with the listed schedule, advertise the events, and report back to the board on attendance and any requests to add locations. A few dates and venues remain tentative and will be finalized by the Planning Department.