HomeMy WebLinkAbout040714_ca15Consent Agenda
JEFFERSON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
CONSENT AGENDA REQUEST
TO: Board of County Commissioners
Philip Morley, County Administrator
FROM: Carl Smith, DCD Directorc -4
Stacie Hoskins, Planning Manager 1 f
Michelle McConnell, Associate Planner /Long Range Le 11V l
DATE: April 7, 2014
SUBJECT: Recommendation for Planning Commission District 2 and 3 Appointments
STATEMENT OF ISSUE: The nine- member Jefferson County Planning Commission currently has
three vacancies for District and 3 representatives for terms that expired over the past year:
• District 2 — The remainder of a four -year term to expire March 17, 2017;
• District 2 - A full four -year term to expire March 17, 2018; and
• District 3 — A full four -year term to expire March 17, 2018.
Department of Community Development provides this overview with a recommendation for
appointments.
ANALYSIS /STRATEGIC GOALS/PROS and CONS: Planning is intended to guide and regulate the
physical development and servicing of lands to provide predictability and consistency for citizens and
agencies, and to assure high standards of the natural environment for living, operation of commerce,
industry, agriculture and recreation while conserving the highest degree of public health, safety, morals
and welfare in view of the need for a strong local economy. To this end the Board of County
Commissioners (BoCC) established a "Planning Agency" comprised of a department and a commission.
Per the originating action (Resolution #54 -97), the commission should assist the department in carrying
out its duties, by and through engaging the public in the preparation and review of comprehensive plans
and development regulations. The department shall forward any commission recommendation on to the
BoCC and a final departmental recommendation on matters before the Board.
One vacant position has been open since the term expired on March 17, 2013. Former District 2
representative Mr. Peter Downey indicated that he would `retire' from service after two consecutive four -
year terms. The second vacant position recently expired March 17, 2014 and former District 2
representative Henry Werch indicated he would not seek reappointment after eight years of volunteer
service to the County. The third vacant position also recently expired March 17, 2014 and District 3
representative Tom Giske is seeking reappointment.
Only one application (H. Putterman) was received (May 2013) for District 2 in response to initial
advertising in 2013. DCD interviewed and recommended him for appointment but the candidate
withdrew his application in August 2013. Two additional applications were received in response to
continued advertising and DCD has interviewed both candidates.
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Consent Agenda
Mr. Matt Sircely submitted an application in September 2013 and has extensive experience with a wide
array of environmental issues, local agriculture, political processes, and journalism. As an accomplished
musician and professor he has traveled far and wide observing the varied land use and development
patterns across the region and the United States. He brings a strong interest in the public process and
opportunities to improve the quality of life through a balanced approach to planning.
Ms. Lorna Smith submitted an application in March 2014 and brings nearly 25 years of experience in
professional land use and environmental planning. She is well- versed in GMA, SEPA, Comp Plans and
development regulations and has worked with many citizen committees and stakeholder group processes
over the years.
Mr. Tom Giske has been a District 3 representative since 2008, reappointed in 2010. Mr. Giske has been
an engaged member of the planning commission who participates in group discussions. He brings a
unique perspective to deliberations and has served the body well.
Staff believes Mr. Sircely, Ms. Smith, and Mr. Giske will both provide thoughtful and highly valued input
to the Planning Commission, serve the constituents of their respective districts, and therefore recommends
all three candidates for appointment.
Because the next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16, 2014, staff urges
timely action by the Board to allow these appointees' full participation.
FISCAL IMPACT /COST- BENEFIT ANALYSIS: There is no fiscal impact to the county's General
Fund for re- appointing a member to serve on the Planning Commission (PC). The 2014 DCD and PC
Budgets are based on nine (9) PC members and these appointees will serve as part of the group.
RECOMMENDATION: Based on the findings of the DCD interview team, staff recommends the
BoCC:
1. Appoint Matt Sireely as a District 2 representative on the Planning Commission to serve the
remainder of a four -year term ending March 17, 2017;
2. Appoint Lorna Smith as a District 2 representative on the Planning Commission to serve a full
four-year term ending March 17, 2018; and
3. Re- appoint Tom Giske to continue as a District 3 representative on the Planning Commission to
.nerve a full four -year term ending March 17, 2018.
REVIEILVED.BY:_
Philip Morley, Qoilhty Administrator
Date
V f 3 /tY
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