Duck, duck NO

There were two public hearings during the June 10, 2020 Saratoga Planning Commission meeting. both of which progressed quickly.

The issue of Saratoga’s lack of off-street parking was briefly discussed in regards to an application submitted by Jon Nelson for a bed and breakfast. Since the entire downtown is considered non-conforming as most structures were built prior to current zoning codes, the motion was passed to recommend approval to the Town Council.

The second public hearing was for the planned use development of the Vista Dawn Subdivision by Triple D Construction. There were no questions or comments from either the Planning Commission or the public so the hearing was ended with expediency.

Discussion of an amendment to Saratoga Municipal Code 18.42.150, which says that the keeping of livestock or other barnyard animals in residential districts shall be prohibited, to allow ducks was entertained. Kent Smith, Zonning Officer, said, “NO DUCKS! You can get a permit for 4-H or FFA, that is it!”

Since there have been no further inquiries from the public and Smith was so adamant, there was no motion for an amendment and no further discussion.

Kristen Stocks of Octagon Construction attended the meeting to let the commission know that they are planning a subdivision of 95 acres at the end of Airport Drive. The preliminary platte, the average lot will be approximately half an acre.

The question of cattle nuisance on Randy Stevens’ property was brought up again. Members of the board and public questioned why it was once again being discussed. According to Jon Nelson, town council member, “A resident made a point that although the use of the land has not changed, when it was subdivided it stopped being an agricultural property and no longer has a right to graze.”

A review of the final executed platte that was filed with the court house turned out to be the same platte the commission had previously reviewed and determined that the property was grandfathered.

Two of Stevens’ neighbors were present. One neighbor being Will Faust, who purchased 10 acres west of Stevens. Of the cattle, Faust said, “I think that’s the ambiance of the property we bought, I like the cows.”

The other neighbor agreed.

Jim Beckmann, Chairman of the Planning Commission, said, “I think we have already visited this. If the town council doesn’t like our recommendation, they can ask the town attorney for a review but I think we have done our due diligence.”

Stevens then asked the Planning Commission to make a determination on another property he owns, HB Block 11 Riverside Division lots 1-10. Stevens submitted an application to install water and sewer and was told by the Joint Powers Board that he needed to know if the lots were considered a subdivision or a development. The Planning Commission stated that they would need to see plans for what was being built in order to make that determination and requested he bring plans to the next meeting.

There seemed to be some confusion between Stevens and the Commission. Stevens restated that, “I just want water and sewer so I can use all 10 lots.” To which Beckmann said, “we need to know what the intended use is or future use so we can make a determination.”

The meeting was then turned to yet another familiar issue from prior meetings, Bob Smith’s horses at his guest ranch. The current special use permit does not mention horses which have been used on the property for the past 14 years. Bob Smith asked if the permit could be updated. Beckmann informed him that a new permit was needed. Bob Smith then said that he has already filled out the application and has the signatures of all the land owners surrounding his property and asked what the process would be. Beckmann informed him that the next step would be to advertise and hold a public hearing.

The final news of the night came from Kent Smith and Susan Lane, both of whom informed the Planning Commission of their intentions to retire within a years time.

The next meeting of the Saratoga Planning Commission will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14.