New commissioner immediately confronts growth issues

Ready or not, incoming County Commissioner Joe Brenneman will have to confront the issue of growth in the Flathead almost immediately on Monday.

Within two hours of assuming his seat, Brenneman and his fellow commissioners are scheduled to address two major planning issues, including the largest landowner-proposed master plan amendment in the county's history.

The Two Rivers amendment covers 1,836 acres in the central valley just north of Kalispell. It was submitted by a group of 14 property owners who want to change the land-use designation from agricultural to a broad mix of commercial, high-density and suburban-density residential, industrial and open space.

The land-use designation typically determines what kind of zoning a site can accommodate. The zoning, in turn, dictates what type of permitted and conditional uses can go there, as well as the minimum lot size and setback requirements.

The Two Rivers amendment would pave the way for higher-density development to take place throughout this area.

The proposal eked out a 4-3 favorable recommendation from the Flathead County Planning Board in December, despite concerns that the transportation infrastructure in the area couldn't adequately support the higher density.

Although the board considered tabling the matter until it could tweak the amendment and address some of its shortcomings, a majority were ultimately unwilling to do so, both because it might be unfair to the property owners and because of the possibility that several board members would shortly be replaced.

(The latter concern proved correct, given that four new members were appointed to the nine-member board, effective Jan. 1.)

At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, the commissioners are scheduled to consider the adoption of a resolution of intent for the Two Rivers amendment. If approved, the resolution would kick off a 30-day public comment period, after which final action could be taken. The proposal also could be bumped back to the planning board for further review.

Public comment is typically not accepted during consideration of a resolution of intent. However, the commissioners are scheduled to take public comment on any issues within their jurisdiction at 8:45 a.m.

A second major planning issue comes up at 9:45 a.m. when the commissioners will address the final resolution for the Harbor Springs master plan amendment.

The amendment would convert 63 acres located in Bigfork, at the intersection of Holt Drive and Chapman Hill Road, from agricultural to suburban residential. The developer, Reto Barrington, wants to build two subdivisions on the property.

A previous request for an urban residential designation was denied in August. Several opponents suggested at the time that the lower-density suburban residential designation would be more appropriate for the area, even though the property is served by public sewer and water.

Brenneman, a dairy farmer, previously served four years on the Kalispell City-County Planning Board.

Brenneman, a Democrat, narrowly defeated Republican Denise Cofer in November by a vote of 18,675-18,540, and will replace longtime Commissioner Howard Gipe, who retired after 18 years on the board.

Reporter Bill Spence may be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at bspence@dailyinterlake.com