Commissioners appoint two landowners to new Last-Best-Place zoning commission; statutory membership debated

The board reviewed four applications for the Last-Best-Place zoning commission and appointed two landowner members, Clint McGrew and Dan Pike, after a motion and second. Commissioners discussed criteria for selection and whether county officials (for instance a county department head) satisfy statutory requirements for an "official" seat on the commission.

During discussion, commissioners and members of the public debated whether the county health nurse or treasurer should sit on the zoning commission as a county official, and whether a department head qualifies as an "official" under state statute. Commissioner motions to add or amend the appointed membership were debated and a final appointment vote carried. The board directed staff to convene the new commission for organizational meetings to elect a chair and outline responsibilities.

Public commenters from the affected zone were present and asked for representation on the commission; commissioners said they will follow up with an organizational meeting for the appointees.