PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
1 OCTOBER 2024
In the absence of Chair, Vice Chair and wishes of Secretary, County Executive (CE) Graham Stowe chaired the meeting. He asked Commission member Malcolm Moore to offer a prayer and lead the pledge. Later in the meeting the minutes from the previous 3 September 2024 Planning Commission meeting were moved for approval by Commissioner Erin Curry, seconded by Commissioner Annelle Guthrie, and were approved unanimously.
The CE noted that in contact with the Chair and Vice Chair there was nothing they considered necessary to be added to the agenda for this meeting. The CE then in keeping with the agenda asked the departing members for any recommendations they would like to make. Commissioner Erin Curry said she would want the newly appointed members and reappointed members to stay focused on the actual scope of this commission, noting how often during meetings discussions have covered areas not within this commission’s mission/scope. She did note that the sub-division regulations have been improved. The CE stated that the Commission itself has no enforcement arm, rather is dependent and relies on state statutes. Worst case for the Planning Commission would be through law suits for those developers who transgress over the regulations. He did note that most developers do follow the guidelines although there may be some who do not. Commissioner Terry Jones mentioned a letter written by the CE to a developer and the CE said sometimes that works. He did note that much of what is addressed by the Commission, other than approval of plats, is from commissioners noting some development work being done when “just driving by.” Commissioner Evan Baddour asked what exactly is the scope, with the CE noting that the County Website has information on the commission’s duties, and also CTAS can be contacted for a broader definition. Commissioner Erin Curry succinctly added that with no zoning as long as the developer doesn’t ask for a county road, the planning commission has no responsibility toward that development. Some discussion ensued over buyer beware (developer doesn’t provide a county road, so responsibility for road repairs up to the buyer) or how can the county make buyers more aware. Some suggestions were, if financed through a bank, they would require whether the connecting road is county or not. Others mentioned pricing homes by the developer has to consider overall cost meaning providing a road that meets county standards would increase the upfront cost of a home. For the buyer that means lower costs upfront but increased cost in the future. The CE said he has been in discussions with the county attorney on possible ways to assist a potential home owner in understanding whether their homes are situated on a county road or a private road.
No old business. New business: because the next meeting date coincides with election date a motion by Commissioner Annelle Guthrie, seconded by Bill Myers, was made to meet on 4 December 2024 (a Monday). Motion approved.
After the CE requesting any public comments, and there being none, a motion to adjourn was made by John Haislip, seconded by Bill Myers, and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES Commission Members: Kristen Pfeiffer, Bill Myers, Malcolm Moore, John Haislip (absent Chair Connie Howell, Vice Chair Tommy Pope, Scott Stewart, Tameika Russell) Commissioner Members: Erin Curry, Annelle Guthrie, Terry Jones, Other attendees: Commissioner Gayle Jones, Commissioner David Adams, Commissioner Evan Baddour, Commissioner Carmen Brown, County Executive Graham Stowe
