2015-11-24-minutes-public-hearing-annual-comp.-plan-amendments-

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2015-11-24 MINUTES 2 how the proposed changes did not support farmers and urged the Board to deny the proposed changes. URBAN EBERHART, MEMBER OF KITTITAS COUNTY FARM BUREAU AND KITTITAS COUNTY RECLAMATION DISTRICT reviewed portions of the proposed changes and did not support the changes as they would have a negative impact to landowners. KEITH ESLINGER, A MEMBER OF THE FARM BUREAU MEMBER supported the previous testimony given and said he was against the 500 square cubic yard requirements for farmers needing to obtain permits in order to move dirt around within their own property. KAREN POULSEN provided examples grading and said if someone plowed a one acre field, 1 foot deep, it would equal 50,000 cubic yards of material and how no one should have to go into the Public Works Department each time and obtain a permit. She felt specific words could result in unintended consequences. MARK CHARLTON, FARM BUREAU PRESIDENT said he had worked on irrigation and there are ways of creating better water savings, less erosion, and felt the proposed language would be very limiting and the County should readdress the 500 square cubic yards. BRENT MELLEGARD opposed changes and felt it should go back to the original document. PAULA THOMPSON spoke against the proposed changes as the farmer’s purpose is to grow and the proposed changes would prevent them from doing so. THERE BEING NO OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC PORTION RELATING TO THE ISSUE WAS CLOSED. COMMISSIONER JEWELL said he had worked with some of the Farm Bureau members in creating some of the language. He said it was not unusual to change farm pasture from one use to another due to changes to crops, irrigation infrastructure, etc. He felt agriculture activities relating to traditional farming need to be exempt from the 500 cubic yard requirements. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN said he thought the issue was more about developers changing land in its entirety and would be in favor of exempting farming, but would like to take a look at the language a little more in depth. CHAIRMAN BERNDT agreed with Commissioner Jewells suggestions. COMMISSIONER JEWELL moved to approve Docket Item No. 15-10, eliminating the limitation on agriculture activities and to allow the activities to continue. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN seconded. Motion carried 3-0. DOCKET 15-12 - HEARING EXAMINER ANGELA SAN FILIPPO, STAFF PLANNER and DOC HANSEN, PLANNING OFFICIAL/INTERIM PLANNING DIRECTOR explained the proposed changes to Title 15A, authorizing the Hearing Examiner to make final land use decisions. The proposed changes would allow the Commissioners to focus more on policy, better concentrate on policy-making and reduce the local government liability exposure through what should be more consistent legally sustainable quasi-judicial decisions. It was noted the Hearing Examiner would be hired by the Board of County Commissioners and would serve at their will. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN explained various reasons for supporting the proposal including the ability to discuss matters with constituents and to engage with them one on one. COMMISSIONER JEWELL described reasons why he opposed the changes and believed the elected officials should be responsible for decision making and not a Hearing Examiner.