MAY 14, 2024

MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024 A PUBLIC HEARING WITH THE ZONING COMMISSION WAS HELD at Hot Springs Town Hall, 109 Main St. Hot Springs, MT

Hearing opened at 6:05 p.m. by Scott Blangers

Present zoning commission members Scott Blangeres, Sue Perry, Jim Arestad, Jerry Kontos, Crystal Graham,

Also Present Leslee Smith, Jennifer Carr, Ed Weatherly, Susan Welker, Randy Woods, Amy Gray, Steven Sheffield, Mary Whitsett, Gretel Stoudt, Sandra Sitzmann, Sam Carr, Cody Scott, Mike Geddes, Jane Putz, Eric Larson, Leslie Haugen, Renea Keough, Breck Smith, Brad Pride, Michele Bangen, Peg Winebrenner, Bob Jackson, Delta Jackson, Scott Vollmer, Ladonna Vollmer, Maura Williams, Cameron Martin, Loretta Abbott, Kelly Hegg

Blangeres introduced himself as the chairman for the zoning commission. Each of the commission members introduced themselves. He asked if anyone wanted to see the slideshow again with the map images. This was declined.

Blangeres asked for public comment.

Perry asked about the joint board. Gray explained the legislature that passed allowing for a joint board which would include zoning commission, board of adjustments and planning board. It was created because many towns have difficulty filling several boards. The town will need to pass a resolution creating the joint board. The board would then follow the guidelines for each of the commission depending on what commission action is needed.

Welker asked if there were going to be any changes to the map and zoning because she thought people had wanted changes.

Gray explained we have only had one request to not move forward with the changes as presented. The changes that needed added to the map were made in the slide presentation. A block on the corner or A St and 3rd Ave NE will be residential A and the corner of Springs Street and 2nd Ave S will be commercial residential.

Woods presented the map and changes.

Gray explained nonconforming structures.

Geddes questioned whether he is nonconforming or not. He also brought up entries in the zoning regulations that were unclear.

Graham explained the board was formed in order to review the ordinances

Geddes asked if there would be a review to which Graham replied there would be

Geddes also asked if removing the industrial zoning would mean industrial would now be included in commercial/residential. He also expressed the need to spread out residential A and residential B to avoid high population density in one area of town.

Gray explained that regardless of what your property is zoned as or what the zoning regulations are on any single piece of land, there is always the option to ask for a variance or for individuals to ask to be rezoned.

Woods explained that there were many attempts to ensure all property owners were notified. There were notices in the paper of the meetings, the meetings were posted online, and posted in town, and certified letters were sent out to all affected property owners.

Blangeres announced the commission will review and make recommendations at the next town council meeting.

Public hearing closed at 6:54 pm.