County planning dispute continues

By JUDD WEIL

Staff writer

A dispute with Marion County planning and zoning officials continued Tuesday with commissioner Clarke Dirks accused planning and zoning of trying to thwart questions and applying a double standard to public criticism.

Dirks used the public forum portion of a county commission meeting to respond to planning commission member Dave Mueller, who last week criticized what he called a “concerted attack” on planning and zoning.

“Since when do questions equal an attack, unless those questions don’t want to be answered?” Dirks said.

Dirks argued that planning commissioners needed all facts about applications to determine whether exceptions to county regulations are in the county’s best interest.

“I would contend that attempting to thwart those questions and/or failure to disclose all the facts of the case is the actual attack on the process,” Dirks said.

Commissioners later rejected, 3-2, a proposal to seek bids for the county counselor position.

The discussion initially was added to the agenda as a closed-door negotiation, but county administrator Tina Spencer questioned whether commissioners could discuss it in executive session without the attorney present.

“We can do an open session,” Dirks said, later adding that he thought the discussion should be public.

Commissioners discussed seeking proposals for county counselor in January or February but put the idea on hold after they are able to talk to current counselor, Brad Jantz.

Dirks questioned two instances in which Jantz provided letters saying he had reviewed and approved bills when there were no checks to approve.

“If he actually looked at it and there were no bills in the packet, why would he send a letter?” Dirks said.

Spencer said that would be a good question to ask Jantz when he attends a meeting.

Commission chairman Kent Becker said he would rather have the counselor present to address commissioners’ concerns before deciding whether to seek proposals.

Commissioner Jonah Gehring also cautioned that an attorney shortage could result in no competing proposals and leave the county paying its current counselor more. The existing counselor would have been allowed to submit a proposal.

Commissioners indicated the matter could be brought up again when Jantz is present.