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2020-01-07 Meeting with Community DevelopmentMeeting with Community Development January 7, 2020 4:04 p.m. Present: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, County Manager Erik Martin, Eric Eisenberg, Lee Napier Guest: Frank Corbin Recorder: Rieva Lester Lee Napier said Community Department, including the Planning Commission, will be reviewing in 2020 at least two contentious applications for rezones to mineral resource lands. While this work is primarily before staff and the Planning Commission, she said, the final decision will be brought to the commissioners as a quasi-judicial decision. Lee said she wanted to brief the commissioners so they may become familiar with the process prior to a notice of application to the public as she anticipates the community may send comments, concerns or questions directly to the commissioners. The group discussed the Planning Commission’s 2020 work plan, including the process overview, rezone applications and timelines. The group discussed: • Notice of application, which is scheduled for this year’s docket to be sent Jan. 14 • The State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) process leading to a SEPA threshold determination • The process if a determination of significance (DS) is issued • The process if a determination of nonsignificance (DNS) is issued • The process of reviewing an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) • Developers to pay fees to cover costs the county incurs as part of the DS process • When, during each process, the public has the opportunity to submit comments • Not creating “red tape” for developers • Balancing constituents’ concerns with growth Lee said having some work, related to the impacts of development to the community as well as expectations of developer, addressed before the topic goes before the Planning Commission could prove helpful. Commissioner Jackson left at 4:48 p.m. Lee said she would need to let the public know about the notice application and the SEPA threshold the following week. Eric Eisenberg said the process didn’t reflect a change in policy or practice, noting that the county always has to indicate whether a project rises to the level of requiring an EIS. Commissioner Jackson returned at 4:51 p.m. The commissioners asked Lee to provide a written summary of the topic and to follow up with them during their Jan. 13 Wrap-Up meeting. Meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.