Drop in number of applications puzzles members of Planning Board

The Daily Inter Lake

Public interest in serving on the Flathead County Planning Board seems to be waning.

The county is currently seeking letters of interest from volunteers who'd like to sit on the board, which reviews a variety of subdivision, zoning and land-use applications and offers recommendations to the county commissioners.

Four positions are up for reappointment next month; the deadline to apply is Monday.

Last year, almost two dozen people expressed interest in serving on the board. The year before that, a dozen applied.

This year, five people - including three incumbents - have sent in letters.

County officials say they aren't sure why the number of applicants has dropped so dramatically.

In recent years, the commissioners have tended to appoint people who have relevant experience, such as surveyors, developers and real-estate agents, or who have prior experience with other planning boards. Consequently, the lack of applications this year may indicate some disenchantment among those who simply are concerned about the growth taking place in the valley.

On the other hand, it could just be a case of people being intimidated by the amount of work involved.

"I've talked to a couple of people and that's what they said. It was the time commitment that scared them away," said BJ Grieve, assistant director of the Flathead County Planning Office.

In 2005, the Planning Board held 36 meetings and work sessions. Another 44 meetings have been held this year.

However, much of the additional work in 2006 was due to the draft growth policy; the number of subdivision and planning applications has declined. The board also could complete its review of the growth policy by the end of this month, meaning its workload next year might be more manageable.

Alternatively, board members could end up getting involved in some meaty long-term planning issues.

"Once the growth policy is adopted, there will be a lot of follow-up on planning activities," said Jeff Harris, Flathead County planning director. "The board will be instrumental in providing guidance on those building blocks and helping shape how the valley grows. It will also be reviewing the [updated] subdivision regulations next year, and there's a good chance they'll be looking at several neighborhood plans, both new and existing. There are some real positive things it will be getting into."

Commissioner Joe Brenneman said the level of interest this year was disappointing, given that so many qualified individuals applied for the Planning Board last year.

"This is the kind of thing democracy depends on: people who are willing to volunteer their time and commit themselves to the public process, in order to help make a better future for the community."

Commissioner Gary Hall said he would be willing to extend the deadline, just to make sure enough good candidates have the opportunity to apply.

"We've tried to make sure that we have a diverse board, and we want to keep it that way," he said.

Incumbent board members historically had a leg up on other applicants, but that hasn't been the case the past two years: In 2005, two of the four open positions went to newcomers; in 2004, three of four did.

Applications for other land-use boards are down, as well. The county is seeking volunteers to fill open positions on the Egan Slough Planning Commission and the Ashley Lake, LaBrant-Lindsey Lane, Middle Canyon and West Valley land-use advisory committees.

Anyone willing to serving on any of these planning or land-use advisory boards should send a letter of interest, including name, address, daytime telephone number and qualifications, to Mary Sevier, Flathead County Planning Office, 1035 First Ave. W., Kalispell MT 59901.

Applications must be received by 5 p.m. Monday. They also can be e-mailed to planningweb@ co.flathead.mt.us

For more information, call 751-8200.