HomeMy WebLinkAbout092622 PUBLIC COMMENT_ LLOR hearing________________________________
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Commissioners,
I want to point out two particularly glaring errors made by DCD in their conduct in preparation for, and during, the hearing on the LLOR ordinance.
First, during the hearing today (9/26) DCD staff repeatedly stressed how much “public outreach” they had done over the last few months. But then, they admitted that a total of only 6
people showed up for their open houses (and they cancelled the other 4 such meetings, given the obvious lack of awareness of the public about the subject).
That lack of turnout should have given them a clue that what they were doing wasn’t working. Instead, they proceeded down their predetermined – and inadequate – outreach plan.
The result: When the ordinance comes up for a real hearing, numerous members of the public find themselves surprised, unaware up to that point that this ordinance was about to be approved.
Second, DCD – and perhaps Mr. McCauley – failed to prepare for a hearing on extending the existing moratorium. By missing the 10-day notice window, you now find yourselves in the position
of being forced to accept a flawed ordinance.
There is one possible “out” for this problem: The BoCC can declare a new moratorium (not an extension of the current one) and then hold the required hearing within 60 days. The BoCC
has used that same tactic many, many times before. You can write the language of the new moratorium so that it immediately expires if/when the new ordinance is approved and becomes
effective.
A new moratorium will allow the time you clearly need to fully consider the ramifications of what’s been proposed and take into account the serious reservations expressed by Commissioner
Brotherton and the members of the public who testified today.
Thank you,
Tom Thiersch
Jefferson County, WA