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

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2015-11-24 MINUTES 3 THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: ALAN CRANKOVICH felt the proposal was a dramatic change. He said besides being in charge of the County budget it’s the second most important function of the County Commissioners. He spoke against the County Commissioners giving their decision making authority to a Hearings Examiner and felt it would never eliminate the opportunity for litigation and be a disservice to the citizens of Kittitas County, if approved. PAULA THOMPSON felt a Hearing Examiner would not have any idea of what goes on, as the Planning Commission does, as well as the previous Board of Adjustment. The County Commissioners live within the County and know the people, culture and issues. THERE BEING NO OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE HEARING RELATING TO THE ISSUE WAS CLOSED. COMMISSIONER JEWELL moved to deny Docket No. 15-12, as presented. CHAIRMAN BERNDT seconded. COMMISSIONER JEWELL described his opinion of why he was against the proposal. COMMISSIONER O’BRIEN felt due to the complexity of decisions, someone who is familiar with laws would better serve the citizens. He noted the Hearing Examiner was hired a long time ago and is familiar with the County and how the citizens would get the best service from someone who is trained in the details. CHAIRMAN BERNDT described how the issues can be complex and when he was elected he had no knowledge of findings of fact, conclusions of law, legal research and felt how it can be daunting at times. He understood Commissioner Jewell and former Commissioner Crankovich’s concerns and indicated he only wants what is best for the citizens and it seemed they are now at a crossroads but would vote in favor of the motion. Motion carried 2-1 to deny the request to authorize the Hearing Examiner to make final land use decisions. (Commissioner O’Brien opposed the motion). DOCKET 15-06 – CONSERVATION EASEMENT ANGELA SAN FILIPPO, STAFF PLANNER reviewed proposed changes to Kittitas County Chapter 13.35 which would allow subdivisions without requiring mitigation when a conservation easement is placed on the property which could be removed by a subdivision amendment. THOSE PRESENT & TESTIFYING: MARGE BRANDSRUD submitted a letter into the record and asked for clarification of the proposed changes. She felt the language was vague and open to abuse and asked if the easement would continue with changes in ownership and would the subdivision adhere to underlying zoning. PAULA THOMPSON questioned the minimum lot size. She expressed support of the amendment and felt it was a good idea to allow people to split property who have no intentions on developing it and therefore no need for a well. KAREN POULSEN commented on the proposal and felt there was a legal definition for conservation easement and suggested changing the title. THERE BEING NO OTHERS REQUESTING TO TESTIFY, THE PUBLIC PORTION OF THE HEARING RELATING TO THE ISSUE WAS CLOSED. There was Board discussion on the proposed amendment. COMMISSIONER JEWELL moved to approve the amendment to Kittitas County Chapter 13.35, as presented. CHAIRMAN