(Spirit Lake)– Things could get a little more crowded around the table at meetings of the Dickinson County Planning and Zoning Commission.
The board of supervisors Tuesday will consider increasing the size of the commission from seven to nine members.
The proposal isn’t sitting well with many in the general public. The vast majority of respondents to a recent Explore Okoboji on-line poll weren’t in favor of the proposal.
The Planning and Zoning Commission has come under fire by environmentalists for recommending rezoning of some environmentally sensitive areas for residential developments. A representative of that delegation is also expected to address the supervisors Tuesday.
While proponents for expanding the P & Z say having two additional members will bring additional foresight, opponents say supervisors should instead study the integrity of the current commission, alleging a potential conflict of interest with atleast one commission member.
David Kolhaase, the county’s Zoning Administrator, has recommended the supervisors delay action on the matter until later in the year and hold off on implementing any changes until the first of the year.
