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By Dena Martin
The Times 

Volunteer opportunity: planning commissions

 

August 8, 2019



While nearly all communities depend on volunteerism in some form or another, I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say that small towns like Dayton and Waitsburg would fail to function without the concern and dedication of the many volunteers that help keep them running. Once one begins brainstorming all the volunteer-based organizations, programs and even individuals that take care the many needs in our communities, it’s hard to find an end to the list.

It is our local firemen, board, committee and club members, event organizers and “just plain folk” who are willing to give a hand as needed, that make us what we are. And while many step up to meet that need, there is a high demand for new volunteers as it becomes time for those who have served for decades step back and hand over the baton.

In this monthly column, The Times will highlight local volunteer opportunities in Waitsburg and Columbia County. I thought I would start with planning commissions since there are currently openings on several commissions in both Waitsburg and Dayton.


In Dayton, Waitsburg and Columbia County, planning commissions are advisory committees that make recommendations to be approved or rejected by either the city council or the county commissioners. Because the commissions have usually done extensive work and research, however, it is somewhat unusual for their recommendations to be rejected. It is more common that they might be sent back for further review or refinement.

All three jurisdictions have recently undergone the extensive process of updating their respective comprehensive plans and development codes.


Waitsburg Planning Commission Chair Karen Gregutt said the commission supports the council by performing research and gives the public a place to voice concerns in a public forum. She said the commission addresses land use decisions, ordinances that deal with the public and nuisance complaints.

Recent examples of planning commission involvement include a property rezone on the land currently occupied by Nancy’s Dream Garden Center, facilitation of a successful resolution regarding a complaint about truck noise between the Waitsburg Apartments and Whiskey Canyon Sports Bar and Grill, holding hearings and reviewing short plat request and has dealt with multiple dog-related issues.

“Waitsburg is such a small town and everyone knows everyone so it’s important for someone who wants to be on the commission to come in, put down their own agenda, and treat everyone the same. You have to be willing to follow the very detailed rules of the state and the ordinances set down by the city council and the charter,” Gregutt said.


“And you need to realize that you are only advisory and that your job is to create a clear and fair path for every single citizen that has an issue,” she added.

The current Waitsburg Planning Commission is made up of Gregutt, Bill Rodgers, Lynne Carpenter and K.C. Kuykendall, with one vacant spot. It meets at 9 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Lions Club Building.

City residents interested in applying for the vacant position may download and fill out the General Position Application form from the City website (www.cityofwaitsburg.com) under the Government tab or stop in at City Hall for more information. Applications should be returned to City Hall by 4 p.m. on Tues., Aug 13. The vacant position will be appointed by the City Council.


Columbia County currently has one opening on its planning commission that meets the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the County Planning Department. The open position is a “float” position and can be filled by a resident from any district in the County. The opening will fill an unexpired term with an end date of Dec. 31, 2022.

Current Columbia County Planning Commission board members include: Chair Jason Towery (District 2), Vice-Chair Chuck Reeves (District 3), and Jay Ball and Bryan Martin (both District 1).


To apply, email a letter of interest and bio to Planning Director Meagan Bailey at meagan_bailey@co.columbia. wa.us or drop one of at the Columbia County Planning Department at 114 South 2nd Street, Dayton.

The City of Dayton Planning Commission is comprised of five members who meet the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the County Planning Department Office. Board members are Chair Kari Dingman, Vice-Chair Kathryn Witherington, Byron Kaczmarski and Alicia Walker, with one vacancy. Beginning in Sept., the commission will meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at Dayton City Hall.

The commission currently has one open position to fill an unexpired term ending March 1, 2021. To apply, email a letter of interest and bio to Planning Director Meagan Bailey at meagan_bailey@co.columbia. wa.us or drop one of at the Columbia County Planning Department at 114 South 2nd Street, Dayton.


The City of Dayton also has a Historic Preservation Commission which meets the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at Dayton City Hall. There are currently no openings on the commission, which is made up of Chair Mike Smith, Vice-Chair JJ Dippel, Ginny Butler, Carol Lane and Rusty Figgins.

 

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