P and Z “shootin’ for May” to finish amendments to city zoning ordinance

By Elizabeth Morgan

At the regular meeting for Planning and Zoning (P&Z) on March 17, commissioners focused on wrapping up the last few modifications for the final draft to submit to the council and eventually, to present at a public hearing. The general consensus of those present was “to shoot for May to finish it up.”

The changes have been discussed, modified and re-modified over the past year as to how best plan for future growth in zone designated as C-2. There are several different areas marked as C-2 throughout the town and on Riverside, but one area in particular comes to mind when setting the pace for C-2 zoning

Unique because the street serves as a main thoroughfare through Orofino, Michigan Ave. is currently zoned C-2 a commercial zone with many exceptions, a mix of businesses, single family dwellings, churches, and a school.

Lot sizes are certainly varied from 4,800 to 6,000 and beyond. Commissioners have determined to allow the size of the lot to be indicative of the type of business and parking requirements permitted.

Building Official Todd Perry felt it would be necessary to finish revising the wording and review a couple items with the city’s attorney before the new document is ready to share with the public at a public hearing.

Commissioners are looking forward to finally getting the proposed changes on paper, as they have muddled through several different copies of an old version amongst them, which at times, added to the confusion.

P and Z is still seeking to fill two vacancies on the board. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers. Interested applicants are invited to inquire further information at City Hall.

City of Orofino hot topics still undecided

The Building and Fire Committees met Nov. 19 to further discuss the city pros and cons of purchasing the former Health and Welfare building for relocating City Hall. The issue is still in session. Additional information is required before a decision could be made.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met following the Building and Fire committees to continue their work session on annexation. Chairman Dewey Stewart announced that the meeting would open with a brief period for public comment and that the commissioners would continue their work session afterwards to try and reach an agreement.

Emotions ran high as business owners and residents voiced their concerns of annexation, and how to afford additional taxes. There were comments and questions about the previous draft of annexation boundaries they had requested from the previous meeting.

Building Official Todd Perry informed the commissioners that city staff had recommended the addition of four pieces of property to be added into the present proposed boundaries for annexation in Konkolville.

The board was split on whether the four parcels should be included or not. All commissioners were present except for Commissioner Harvey.

A few more questions from the public were accepted but as tempers flared it was agreed that it would be better to wait until all commissioners were present. The item is still under scrutiny. Hopefully, some progress will be made at the next meeting, as it is presently a rather unpopular and uncomfortable topic for all.