Whitman County public meetings in 2022

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The Whitman County Solid Waste Advisory Committee is meeting to review and approve the minutes from March 8, 2022, and to discuss the Scale Replacement Project and recycling prices. The meeting is open to visitors and includes a discussion period. The next meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2023.

• Review and approval of minutes from March 8, 2022
• Discussion of Scale Replacement Project
• Discussion of recycling prices

The committee approved previous meeting minutes and decided to offer Zoom as an attendance option for future meetings. Staff reported on a $1.7 million scale replacement contract and current recycling deficits. Discussions were held regarding potential fees for commercial green waste haulers.

• Approved March 8, 2022 meeting minutes
• Awarded $1.7 million scale replacement project to Mangum Construction of Clarkston
• Decided to include Zoom as an option for SWAC meetings

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting to review minutes, receive a staff update, and hear public comments. The main action item is the approval of a lateral entry deputy sheriff eligibility list/exam, as presented by the Sheriff's Department. The meeting is largely procedural, with no other substantive policy or financial decisions on the agenda.

• Approval of Lateral Entry Deputy Sheriff Eligibility List/Exam
• Review of September 26, 2022 meeting minutes
• Staff update from Brett Myers (Sheriff Department)
• Discussion of eligibility lists and expiration dates for various positions

The Commission approved the minutes from the September 26, 2022 meeting and approved the Lateral Entry Deputy Sheriff Exam scores. The board also canceled the December 26, 2022 meeting due to the Christmas holiday.

• Approved September 26, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved Lateral Entry Deputy Sheriff Exam scores
• Canceled December 26, 2022 meeting
• Decided to maintain meeting schedule of fourth Monday at noon

Board Of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the health officer, environmental health, and HIPAA compliance. No votes on specific policies or budgets are listed.

• Approval of September 19, 2022 meeting minutes
• Health Officer Update
• Environmental Health Update
• HIPAA Update
• Administrative Update

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Whitman County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for GRYM K9, a canine behavioral training center at 3651 Sand Road, and a variance for Stoneway Electric to reduce a side setback from 20 ft to 10 ft at 7202 SR 270. The county planning office has issued a Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) for the training center, meaning no significant environmental impact is expected. Comments on the SEPA decision are due by October 27, 2022, and comments on the zoning actions are due by November 10, 2022, or at the hearing.

• Conditional use permit for GRYM K9 canine behavioral training center at 3651 Sand Road
• Variance for Stoneway Electric to reduce side setback from 20 ft to 10 ft at 7202 SR 270
• Determination of Nonsignificance (DNS) issued under SEPA for GRYM K9
• Public hearing at 7 PM on November 10, 2022, in Colfax and via Zoom
• Comment deadlines: October 27, 2022 for SEPA, November 10, 2022 for zoning

The Board of Adjustment approved a side setback reduction for Stoneway Electric and granted a conditional use permit for GRYM K9 to operate a canine behavioral training center. The canine center permit includes specific restrictions on operating hours and waste disposal.

• Approved Variance 22-02 to reduce east side setback from 20 to 10 feet for Stoneway Electric
• Approved Conditional Use Permit 22-05 for GRYM K9 canine behavioral training center
• Limited GRYM K9 customer visits to hours between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
• Required GRYM K9 to provide portable toilets and packaged water instead of on-site restroom/well water
• Required GRYM K9 to follow Department of Ecology requirements regarding dog waste and water quality

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission is meeting to approve minutes, receive reports on upcoming hearings and county actions, and continue work on the Shoreline Master Program draft presented by consultant SCJ Alliance. No new business is listed.

• Approval of minutes from October 19, 2022
• Upcoming Board of Adjustment hearings on Nov 10: side setback variance for Sam Young (Stoneway Electric) and conditional use permit for GRYM K9 canine training center
• County Commissioners to transmit zoning code amendments Nov 7, public hearing Nov 21
• Shoreline Master Program draft presentation by SCJ Alliance

The Planning Commission approved the October 19, 2022, meeting minutes. The commission held a workshop to review a 160-page draft update to the Shoreline Master Program intended for state compliance and grant eligibility.

• Approved minutes from October 19, 2022

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission meets virtually to consider proposed code amendments to several chapters of county code, including agricultural, cluster residential, rural community center, nonconforming uses, surface mining, and SEPA. They will also hear reports on upcoming Board of Adjustment hearings and continue work on the Shoreline Master Program update. The meeting is open to the public via Zoom only.

• Public hearing on code amendments to Chapters 19.03, 19.10, 19.12, 19.41, 19.54, 19.59, and 9.04 (SEPA)
• Upcoming Board of Adjustment hearings Nov 10: side setback variance for Sam Young (Stoneway Electric) and conditional use permit for GRYM K9 canine training center
• Shoreline Master Program update continues as unfinished business
• Approval of minutes from September 21, 2022

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to recommend approval of amendments to several zoning code chapters to the Board of County Commissioners. The changes include adding definitions for assisted living facilities, bunkhouses, and cabins; allowing two residences per parcel in the Agricultural District; and exempting small expansions of existing quarries from permit review. The recommendation was forwarded with a 7-0 vote.

• Adopted preliminary Findings of Fact 1-14 as presented by staff (unanimous)
• Adopted conclusions that proposals are consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and County Code (unanimous)
• Forwarded zoning code changes to Board of County Commissioners with recommendation for approval (7-0)

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission will hold a regular meeting to review and approve a job description for a new Jail Captain position in the Sheriff's Department. The agenda also includes a staff update, public comments, and a review of the July 25 meeting minutes. The meeting is largely procedural, with the main substantive item being the job description approval.

• Review and approval of job description for new Jail Captain position in Sheriff's Department
• Staff update by Brett Myers (Sheriff Department)
• Review of July 25, 2022 meeting minutes
• Eligibility lists update (continuous recruitments for Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, Lateral Deputy Sheriff; when needed for Records and Information, Corrections Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant)

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission approved the job description for a Jail Captain position. The testing process will follow a similar oral board procedure used for the Corrections Sergeant position. Sheriff Brett Myers reported one open position and the upcoming retirement of Corrections Sergeant Tom Fealy.

• Approved minutes from July 25, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Approved Jail Captain job description (unanimous)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission is meeting virtually to approve minutes, receive reports (all of which are currently none), and continue work on the Shoreline Master Program update. The main new business is a review of potential changes to several county code chapters covering definitions, agricultural and cluster residential districts, rural community centers, nonconforming uses, surface mining, and the SEPA ordinance.

• Review of potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.03 (Definitions), 19.10 (Agricultural District), 19.12 (Cluster Residential District), 19.41 (Rural Community Center District), 19.54 (Nonconforming Uses), 19.59 (Surface Mining and Rock Crushing), and SEPA ordinance Chapter 9.04
• Continued update of the Shoreline Master Program
• Approval of minutes from August 3, 2022 meeting

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a workshop to review proposed code amendments, including allowing two single-family dwellings per parcel in the Agricultural District, adding assisted living facilities as a conditional use in the Rural Community Center District, and other zoning text changes. No final decisions were made; the commission agreed to schedule a public hearing for October 19, 2022.

• Approved minutes of August 3, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Scheduled public hearing for October 19, 2022 on proposed code amendments
• Discussed but did not vote on allowing two homes per parcel in Ag District
• Discussed but did not vote on adding assisted living facilities as conditional use in RCC-1 District
• Discussed but did not vote on increasing residential group distance from 300 to 500 feet (kept at 300 feet)
• Discussed but did not vote on striking historic structure compatibility language
• Discussed but did not vote on adding administrative review for additional structures in N-PMC District
• Discussed but did not vote on striking nonconforming use language for vacant houses

Board Of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to receive updates on health, environmental, HIPAA, and administrative matters. The board is reviewing public health fees that are scheduled for adoption on November 21, 2022.

• Review of public health fees

The Board of Health met on September 19, 2022, and received updates from the Health Director and Environmental Health. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the meeting was informational and procedural. The next meeting is scheduled for November 21, 2022.

• Approved minutes of July 18, 2022 meeting
• Received Health Officer update on COVID, Monkeypox, and polio testing
• Received Environmental Health update on fair, football games, and pool inspections
• Noted HIPAA update (no details provided)
• Noted administrative update on staffing and office moves
• Reviewed Public Health Fees (to be adopted November 21, 2022)

Planning Commission (PC)

The September 7, 2022, regular Planning Commission meeting is cancelled and will not be held. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for September 21, 2022. This agenda contains only a cancellation notice with no items for discussion or decision.

• Meeting cancelled for September 7, 2022
• Next meeting scheduled for September 21, 2022

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive updates on permits and variances, and continue work on the Shoreline Master Program. The main new business is reviewing potential changes to County Code chapters covering agricultural districts, cluster residential districts, surface mining, and nonconforming uses.

• Review potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.10 (Agricultural District)
• Review potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.12 (Cluster Residential District)
• Review potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.59 (Surface Mining and Rock Crushing)
• Review potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.54 (Nonconforming Uses and Special Exceptions)
• Setback variance for Danette Merritt approved July 28, 2022

The Planning Commission held a workshop to review proposed amendments to the county code, including allowing two single-family dwellings per parcel, increasing the grouping distance for second residences from 300 to 500 feet, and adding conditional uses like commercial horse boarding and non-profit environmental operations. No formal decisions or votes were taken; the discussion was preliminary, with a public hearing expected in a few months. The commission also noted the Shoreline Master Program update is ongoing with no new deliverables.

• Approved minutes from July 5, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Discussed allowing two single-family dwellings per parcel (no vote)
• Discussed increasing grouping distance for second residences from 300 to 500 feet (no vote)
• Discussed adding commercial horse boarding and non-profit environmental operations as conditional uses (no vote)
• Discussed removing Accessory Dwelling Unit section (no vote)
• Discussed one-time 10% expansion for surface mining without new CUP (no vote)
• Discussed removing long plat option for cluster residential districts (no vote)
• Discussed correcting SEPA appeal language to match state law (no vote)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Whitman County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on July 28, 2022, to consider a variance request from Merritt Land Company, LLC. The applicant seeks to reduce the required setback for a proposed horse shed from 20 feet to 5 feet at 301 Pandora Road, west of Rosalia. The hearing will be conducted online via Zoom, and written comments are accepted until 5:00 PM on the hearing date.

• Variance request VAR 22-01 from Section 19.10.040(A) setback requirements
• Proposed reduction from 20 to 5 feet for a horse stall shed
• Site: 301 Pandora Road, west of Rosalia, Agricultural District
• Public hearing via Zoom on July 28, 2022 at 7:00 PM
• Comments due by 5:00 PM July 28, 2022 to Whitman County Planning

The Whitman County Board of Adjustment unanimously approved variance VAR 22-01 for Merritt Land Company, allowing a 40x120-foot horse shed to be built with a 5-foot rear setback instead of the required 20 feet on agricultural land east of Rosalia. The board found the variance met all four statutory criteria and no public comments were received.

• Approved variance VAR 22-01 reducing rear setback from 20 to 5 feet (unanimous)
• Found special circumstances due to high-sloping topography (unanimous)
• Determined variance not detrimental to public welfare (unanimous)
• Determined variance not required due to applicant's actions (unanimous)
• Determined variance not for economic benefit (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting to review the June 27, 2022 meeting minutes, receive a staff update, and hear public comments. The main agenda item is an update from Sheriff Brett Myers on the Lateral Deputy Eligibility List, along with a review of eligibility lists and their expiration dates for various positions. The meeting is procedural, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Review of June 27, 2022 meeting minutes
• Staff update and public comments
• Lateral Deputy Eligibility List update from Sheriff Brett Myers
• Review of eligibility lists and expiration dates for deputy sheriff, corrections officer, and other positions

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission approved the lateral deputy exam taken and passed by Randy Miller, and will sign the newly created Eligibility List. The commission also approved the June 27, 2022 meeting minutes. Sheriff Brett Myers provided updates on department staffing, including new hires and a planned retirement, but no other formal decisions were made.

• Approved June 27, 2022 meeting minutes (motion by Beckmann, second by Rembert)
• Approved lateral deputy exam for Randy Miller and signing of Eligibility List (motion by Rembert, second by Beckmann)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive reports, and continue work on the Shoreline Master Program update. The main new business is a review of potential changes to County Code chapters on Agricultural District, Cluster Residential District, and Surface Mining and Rock Crushing. A setback variance hearing for Danette Merritt is scheduled for July 28, 2022.

• Review potential changes to County Code Chapter 19.10 (Agricultural District), 19.12 (Cluster Residential District), and 19.59 (Surface Mining and Rock Crushing)
• Setback variance for Danette Merritt, hearing set for July 28, 2022
• Shoreline Master Program update continues as unfinished business
• Public hearing on Comprehensive Plan set for July 5, 2022 by Board of County Commissioners

The Planning Commission reviewed the BOCC's unanimous approval of the Comprehensive Plan with minor changes, including simplified railbanking language and map corrections. They discussed proposed amendments to the Agricultural District code, including allowing two single-family dwellings per parcel, but took no final action, deferring decisions to future meetings.

• Approved minutes from June 1, 2022 meeting (unanimous)
• Reviewed BOCC-approved Comprehensive Plan changes (no action)
• Discussed allowing two single-family dwellings per parcel in Ag district (no action)
• Discussed adding non-profit environmental facilities as conditional use (no action)
• Discussed eliminating Accessory Dwelling Unit section (no action)
• Discussed adding commercial trucking repair shops as conditional use (no action)
• Tentatively scheduled August 3 meeting (no formal action)

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting to review the May 23, 2022 meeting minutes, receive a staff update, and take public comments. The main agenda item is the Corrections Sergeant Eligibility List, with other eligibility lists noted for continuous or as-needed recruitment. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major decisions or proposals listed.

• Review of May 23, 2022 meeting minutes
• Corrections Sergeant Eligibility List review
• Eligibility lists: Entry Level Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, Lateral Deputy Sheriff (continuous recruitment)
• Eligibility lists: Records and Information, Corrections Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant (when needed)

The Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the May 23, 2022 meeting and signed the Corrections Sergeant Promotion Eligibility List. Staff reported that interviews were held and Dana Meserve accepted the position, starting July 1, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved May 23, 2022 meeting minutes
• Approved Corrections Sergeant Promotion Eligibility List
• Noted Dana Meserve's promotion to Corrections Sergeant, effective July 1, 2022

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive reports, and hear an introductory presentation from consultants SCJ Alliance on the Shoreline Master Program update. No public hearings or new permits are scheduled, and the agenda is largely procedural.

• Approval of minutes from April 6, 2022
• Update: Dugger RV park expansion approved April 14, 2022
• Public hearing on Comprehensive Plan set for June 21, 2022
• Introductory presentation by SCJ Alliance on Shoreline Master Program update

The Planning Commission held a workshop to kick off the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update, a state-required periodic review. The update is a joint effort between Whitman County, local jurisdictions, and the Department of Ecology, with the goal of bringing the SMP into compliance with current state law. No formal decisions were made during the workshop; it was informational only.

• Approved minutes from April 6, 2022 (unanimous)
• Adjourned the regular meeting at 7:07 p.m.
• Adjourned the workshop at 8:06 p.m.

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting to review the April 25, 2022 meeting minutes and discuss two agenda items: the Lateral Deputy Eligibility List and a Corrections Promotion Update. The meeting is procedural, with no public hearings or financial decisions listed. The commission will also review eligibility list expiration dates for various positions.

• Review of April 25, 2022 meeting minutes
• Discussion of Lateral Deputy Eligibility List
• Corrections Promotion Update
• Review of eligibility lists: Entry Level Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, Lateral Deputy Sheriff (continuous recruitment); Records and Information, Corrections Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant (when needed)

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission approved the minutes from the April 25, 2022 meeting and the Lateral Deputy List as of May 23, 2022. They discussed upcoming oral board exams for the Corrections Sergeant position and agreed to add a public comments section to future agendas due to new Public Records-Public Comments rules effective June 9, 2022. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned.

• Approved April 25, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Approved Lateral Deputy List as of May 23, 2022 (unanimous)
• Agreed to add public comments section to future agendas

Board Of Health

The Board of Health is meeting to approve previous minutes and receive updates from the Health Officer, Environmental Health, and Administration. The session also includes a HIPAA update.

• Approval of January 18, 2021 minutes
• Health Officer update
• Environmental Health update
• Administrative update
• HIPAA update

The Board of Health approved the minutes from its March 21, 2022 meeting. Health Officer Chris Skidmore reported declining COVID-19 case rates, rising TB cases statewide, and an H5N1 bird flu diagnosis in animals. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting consisted of updates and discussion.

• Approved Board of Health minutes of March 21, 2022 (motion by Largent, second by Handy, carried)

Planning Commission (PC)

The scheduled Planning Commission regular meeting for May 4, 2022, has been cancelled. The next meeting is scheduled for June 1, 2022, at 7 pm.

Civil Service Commission

The Commission met to review meeting minutes from March and April 2022 and update eligibility lists. The agenda included reviewing the promotional list for Corrections Sergeants and checking expiration dates for various recruitment lists.

• Review of March 28 and April 04, 2022 meeting minutes
• Promotional list for Corrections Sergeants
• Review of eligibility lists for Entry Level Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, and Lateral Deputy Sheriff

The Civil Service Commission approved a motion to begin promotional testing for Corrections Sergeant, limited to internal candidates, after Brett reported a sergeant vacancy and potential departures. The commission also approved the minutes from March 28 and April 4, 2022. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes for 3/28/2022 and 4/4/2022
• Approved promotional testing for Corrections Sergeant (internal candidates)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Board of Adjustment will hold a conditional use hearing regarding a permit request from Kirk and Mellissa Dugger. The proposal seeks to increase the number of seasonal recreational vehicle sites from 80 to 100.

• Conditional use permit request to expand RV park at 101 Palouse-Albion Road
• Proposal to increase site count by 20, from 80 to 100 total sites

The Board of Adjustment approved CUP 22-04, allowing Kirk and Melissa Dugger to expand their seasonal RV park from 80 to 100 RV spaces and increase the usable area to 6.68 acres. The approval includes conditions on music events, storage limits, and emergency access. The board also amended findings to allow broader event use and added a finding on tank-pumping services.

• Approved CUP 22-04 to expand RV park to 100 spaces (motion passed)
• Approved findings of fact as amended (motion passed)
• Approved conditions of approval as amended (motion passed)
• Amended finding #7 to allow other sporting and special events
• Added finding #11 on RV tank-pumping service as a finding, not a condition
• Set live music hours to noon to 9:30 p.m., max 4 events per season
• Allowed up to 50 RVs to remain on site between events, removed after season ends

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission will meet virtually to approve minutes, receive reports on upcoming hearings and permits, and make a decision on its by-laws and rules of procedure for legislative and quasi-judicial hearings. The agenda includes updates on a conditional use permit for Panhandle Truck and Equipment Repair and the transmittal of Comprehensive Plan amendments to the Board of County Commissioners.

• Decision on By-laws and Rules of Procedure for legislative and quasi-judicial hearings
• Approval of minutes from March 16, 2022
• Update: Panhandle Truck and Equipment Repair CUP approved March 24, 2022
• Comprehensive Plan amendments formally transmitted to BOCC April 4, 2022; public meeting set for April 18, 2022
• Forthcoming Board of Adjustment hearing for Kirk and Mellissa Dugger RV park expansion on April 14, 2022

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a regular meeting and a workshop on April 6, 2022. In the regular meeting, they approved the minutes from March 16, 2022, and received staff reports on upcoming hearings and the transmittal of the Comprehensive Plan update to the Board of County Commissioners. In the workshop, they adopted amended Bylaws and new Rules of Procedure for both legislative and quasi-judicial public hearings, with unanimous votes. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved minutes from March 16, 2022 (unanimous)
• Adopted amended Bylaws (unanimous)
• Approved Legislative Procedure Rules (unanimous)
• Approved Quasi-judicial Procedure Rules with amendments (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The Commission will review the minutes from the March 28, 2022, meeting and consider proposed changes to civil service rules regarding candidate re-examinations and the rehiring of previous employees. The agenda also includes a review of expiration dates for various eligibility lists.

• Civil Service Rule Changes: rehiring of previous employees
• Civil Service Rule Changes: re-examinations for candidates
• Review of eligibility list expiration dates for Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, and others

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission approved new policy language regarding rehiring previous employees in good standing and re-examinations for candidates. The policy allows former employees to return within two years without re-testing, and candidates can retake exams within 90 days of receiving scores. The motion passed unanimously.

• Approved policy language for rehiring previous employees and re-examinations (unanimous)

Civil Service Commission

The Whitman County Civil Service Commission is holding a regular meeting to review meeting minutes and discuss agenda items, including a timetable for re-taking a test and staffing updates. The commission will also review eligibility lists and their expiration dates for various positions, including continuous recruitments for deputy sheriffs and corrections officers. The meeting is procedural in nature, with no major decisions or public hearings listed.

• Review of October 25, 2021 meeting minutes
• Discussion of timetable to re-take a test
• Staffing updates
• Eligibility lists for Entry Level Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, Lateral Deputy Sheriff (continuous recruitment), and Records and Information, Corrections Sergeant, Patrol Sergeant (when needed)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Whitman County Board of Adjustment is meeting on March 24, 2022, at 7:00 PM. The meeting is closed to in-person attendance due to COVID-19, with participation available via Zoom. The agenda contains only procedural details for remote participation and no specific items for decision or discussion.

• Meeting held remotely via Zoom due to COVID-19
• Public Service Building, Colfax, WA listed as meeting location

Board Of Health

The Whitman County Board of Health is meeting to approve minutes, receive updates from the health officer and environmental health, and consider adopting a fee schedule. The agenda also includes a HIPAA update and scheduling of future meetings.

• Approval of January 18, 2022 minutes
• Health Officer Update
• Environmental Health Update
• Adopt Fee Schedule
• HIPAA Update

The Board of Health approved its March 21, 2022 minutes. Health Officer Chris Skidmore reported COVID-19 case numbers are back to pre-Omicron levels, hospital stays are declining, and no new school outbreaks have occurred. A vaccination clinic will be held every Tuesday in Pullman starting April 12 for two months. No formal policy decisions were made; the meeting was primarily updates.

• Approved Board of Health minutes of March 21, 2022 (motion by Largent, second by Handy, carried)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission will vote on its bylaws and rules of procedure, hold a public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan update, and approve February minutes. Reports cover a Board of Adjustment hearing for Panhandle Truck and Equipment Repair, a cell tower permit on Story Road, and a Helena Agri-Enterprises shoreline permit at Central Ferry. No other applications or actions are pending.

• Decision on By-laws and Rules of Procedure
• Public hearing on Comprehensive Plan update
• Board of Adjustment hearing for Panhandle Truck and Equipment Repair, LLC on March 24, 2022
• Cell tower reconstruction permit for Whitman County Emergency Management on Story Road issued February 16, 2022
• Helena Agri-Enterprises barge line pipe installation permit at Central Ferry issued February 28, 2022

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a public hearing and voted unanimously to forward the 2022 update to the Whitman County Comprehensive Plan, along with its Findings of Fact and Conclusions, to the Board of County Commissioners with a recommendation for adoption. The Commission also approved two minor amendments to the plan text and zoning map, and heard public comment, including concerns about the plan's language on railbanking.

• Adopted Findings of Fact #1-21 as prepared by staff, plus new #22 (unanimous)
• Adopted Conclusions of Law as prepared by staff (unanimous)
• Forwarded Comprehensive Plan draft to BOCC with recommendation for adoption (unanimous)
• Adopted formal recommendation to BOCC to amend the Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Amended plan text to change 'that' to 'than' on page 56 (motion passed)
• Directed staff to update Brayton Road reference on zoning map (motion passed)
• Approved minutes from February 16, 2022 meeting (motion passed)
• Deferred discussion of By-Laws and Rules of Procedure to next meeting

Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The Whitman County Solid Waste Advisory Committee is meeting to review December 2021 minutes and discuss the scale project, recycling prices, and button batteries. The meeting is closed to in-person attendance due to COVID-19, with remote participation via Zoom.

• Review and approval of December 14, 2021 minutes
• Scale Project discussion led by David Nails
• Recycling Prices discussion led by Devon Felsted
• Button Batteries discussion

The committee approved the December 14, 2021 minutes. Staff reported the BOCC approved the landfill scale project, with bids opening April 4 and completion expected around Thanksgiving. Disposal tonnage decreased from 2020 to 2021, and recycling revenue from scrap iron doubled. No formal decisions were made beyond the minutes approval.

• Approved minutes from December 14, 2021 meeting
• BOCC approved scale project and bid opening April 4 (reported)

Planning Commission (PC)

The regular Whitman County Planning Commission meeting scheduled for March 2, 2022, was cancelled because a quorum could not be attained. The next meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2022. No business items are on the agenda.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of quorum
• Next meeting scheduled for March 16, 2022

Planning Commission (PC)

The commission will discuss progress on updating the Comprehensive Plan and review Planning Commission By-laws. The meeting also includes reports on upcoming administrative use permits and shoreline development permits.

• Cell tower reconstruction for Whitman County Emergency Management Department on Story Road
• Home-based business permit for Tully Gunsmithing, LLC
• Home-based business permit for Panhandle Truck and Equipment Repair, LLC
• Helena Agri-Enterprises barge line pipe installation at Central Ferry

The Planning Commission reviewed the final draft of the comprehensive plan update and agreed to schedule a public hearing for March 16, 2022. The commission also discussed changes to its by-laws and rules of procedure, including changing the public hearing end time from 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and using gender-neutral language. No formal votes were taken on these items during the workshop.

• Approved the minutes from the February 2, 2022 meeting.
• Agreed to hold a public hearing on the comprehensive plan update on March 16, 2022.
• Discussed and agreed to change the public hearing end time from 11:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. in the rules of procedure.
• Discussed and agreed to change 'his/her' to 'their' in the rules of procedure.
• Discussed changes to the by-laws, including allowing virtual meetings, with a vote scheduled for March 16, 2022.
• Discussed changes to the quasi-judicial rules of procedure, with a draft to be provided later.

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a virtual meeting to approve minutes and review upcoming administrative permits. The agenda included a cell tower reconstruction for the Emergency Management Department on Story Road and a barge line pipe installation by Helena Agri-Enterprises at Central Ferry. The commission also discussed progress on updating the Comprehensive Plan and its own bylaws.

• Administrative Use Permit: Cell tower reconstruction for Whitman County Emergency Management Department on Story Road
• Shoreline of the State Substantial Development Permit: Helena Agri-Enterprises barge line pipe installation at Central Ferry
• Discussion: Progress on updating the Comprehensive Plan
• Discussion: Planning Commission By-laws

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a regular meeting and a workshop on February 2, 2022. During the workshop, members reviewed proposed updates to their bylaws, including changes to meeting locations and virtual meeting options, but tabled the discussion pending staff research. They also discussed a potential public hearing for the Comprehensive Plan update, tentatively scheduled for March 2, 2022, pending receipt of the consultant's draft.

• Approved minutes from January 19, 2022 meeting
• Tabled discussion on quasi-judicial hearing procedures pending staff research
• Discussed potential March 16, 2022 public hearing for Comprehensive Plan update
• Discussed potential March 2, 2022 public hearing for Comprehensive Plan update

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission is meeting virtually to approve minutes, receive reports on upcoming permits, and discuss progress on updating the Comprehensive Plan. No public hearings or variances are scheduled.

• Cell tower reconstruction for Whitman County Emergency Management on Story Road
• Helena Agri-Enterprises barge line pipe installation at Central Ferry
• Discussion on Comprehensive Plan update progress

The Planning Commission reviewed the comprehensive plan update document and agreed on final edits, including updating census data, standardizing fonts and formatting, and selecting photos. They decided to send the document to the consultant for final revisions, with a target of a public hearing in March 2022. No formal votes were taken on the plan itself; the only motion was to adjourn.

• Agreed to send comprehensive plan update to consultant for final edits
• Directed consultant to update census data to 2020 figures when available
• Decided to standardize fonts and formatting throughout the document
• Selected photos for inclusion, including Kamiak Butte, Almota, and Central Ferry
• Removed hyperlinks to RCW, keeping county code links
• Scheduled next meeting for February 2, 2022, to discuss by-laws
• Motion to adjourn passed

Board Of Health

The Board of Health will meet to adopt a fee schedule and receive updates on health and administrative operations. The body will also review minutes from the November 15, 2021 meeting.

• Adoption of Fee Schedule
• HIPAA Update
• Health Officer Update
• Environmental Health Update
• Administrative Update

The Board of Health approved the minutes from October 18, 2021, and received updates on COVID-19 trends, testing supplies, quarantine guidelines, and staffing. No other formal decisions were made; the meeting was primarily informational.

• Approved Board of Health minutes of October 18, 2021 (motion by Handy, second by Largent, carried)

Board of Adjustment (BOA)

The Whitman County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on January 6, 2022, to consider a variance request from Phil Henderson. The applicant seeks to reduce the required side setback from 20 feet to 3 feet for a proposed shed at 3842 Prune Orchard Road. The hearing will be conducted online via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Variance request VAR 21-03 to reduce side setback from 20 to 3 feet for a farm machinery and hay shed
• Property located at 3842 Prune Orchard Road, 4.5 miles south of Colfax
• Adjacent landowners do not object to the proposal
• Public comments accepted in writing or by fax before 5:00 PM on January 6, 2022

The Board of Adjustment unanimously approved a variance (VAR 21-03) allowing Phil Henderson to place a new 12' x 30' shed 3 feet from the east side property line, instead of the required 20-foot Agricultural District setback. The decision was based on the parcel's narrow shape and existing structures, with no public objections received. The adjacent landowner, Ron Van Trease, submitted a letter of no objection.

• Approved Findings of Fact for VAR 21-03 (unanimous)
• Granted variance to reduce side setback from 20 to 3 feet (unanimous)

Planning Commission (PC)

The Whitman County Planning Commission meets virtually to approve prior minutes, receive staff reports, and discuss progress on updating the county's Comprehensive Plan. No public hearings or new permits are scheduled; the meeting is largely procedural.

• Side setback variance hearing for Phil Henderson set for January 6, 2022
• Board of Adjustment hearing on residential side setback variance on January 6, 2022
• Discussion on Comprehensive Plan update progress

The Whitman County Planning Commission held a regular meeting and workshop on January 5, 2022, to review draft updates to the Comprehensive Plan. No formal decisions were made; the commission discussed proposed edits to chapters on county facilities, solid waste, public facilities policies, and introductory text, with several items deferred for further clarification. The next meeting was scheduled for January 19, 2022.

• Approved motion to adjourn regular meeting (unanimous)
• Approved motion to adjourn workshop (unanimous)
• Deferred decision on striking Policy PF 3.2 (A-95 review process) pending consultant input
• Deferred decision on Policy PF 3.4 (discourage public facilities in ag areas) pending clarification
• Agreed to consider removing 'local' from Goal F-5 (energy facilities) - not finalized
• Agreed to add 'where feasible' to Policy F-5.4 (antenna consolidation) - not finalized
• Agreed to consider rewording Goal F-6 (water system planning) - not finalized
• Agreed to consider removing 'tele' from Goal F-7 (communications) - not finalized