Second Regional Draft Plan Available for Comment

SWAN VALLEY - The Swan Valley Community Council discussed how to distribute the completed second draft of the regional plan to the public at their meeting Feb. 27. The council members agreed that residents can peruse the plan and submit specific comments by the April 10 deadline.

Council member Henry Westra asked what the council’s responsibility was in regard to the draft plan. “Do we have to say yes or no [to the draft plan]?” Westra asked.

Council member Lacey McNutt said that their responsibility was to get it thoroughly out to the public. “We need to hear them and collect their thoughts and opinions.” McNutt said. “We need to put them to good use.”

The council members agreed with McNutt and Westra who suggested a timeline, including a deadline for written comments and a public meeting.

The Council agreed:

• A copy of the draft plan for review is available at the Swan Valley Community Library and Swan Valley Connections. Those interested can also request a printing of the plan at both locations for a small fee.

• All comments should contain the name of the element, the section and page number, what the concerns are and a suggestion as to how the reviewer would like it changed.

• The comment period runs through April 10.

The SVCC along with the planning committee will review the comments and determine any changes before it is sent to Missoula County Community and Planning Services and finally to the commissioners for their consideration.

Flyers are posted at the Swan Valley Library and the Condon Post Office with information on how to obtain a copy of the second draft plan, how to make comments and where to submit them.

• Download draft plan: http://apps.missoulacounty.us/go/swanplanfeb2018

• Email Henry.Westra@gmail.com for a .pdf file and to comment

• Mail comments to Swan Valley Community Council, P.O. Box 1156, Condon, MT 59826

• Comment in person at the next SVCC meeting, March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Swan Valley Community Hall.

Chair Ken Donovan announced at the meeting that he is the only candidate for one of the two SVCC vacant seats available. As of March 6, following the write-in March 5 deadline, Donovan and Kathy Koors will fill the two positions. No election will be held.