Meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission held October 7, 2025, 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Members present:
Kevin Asker – Vice Chair
Dan Gautney
Brian Perry
James Zehner
Yolanda Stout
Members absent:
Lee Spencer
Mike Cook – Chairman
City Staff: City Administrator Kennedy
The meeting was called to order by Kevin Asker at 6:00 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: On motion by James Zehner, second by Yolanda Stout to approve the minutes of June 24, 2025, as presented. Motion carried.
PUBLIC HEARING #1: The public hearing was opened at 6:01 p.m. for a variance submitted by Chris & Emily Schacher, 628 S A Street, to allow them to build a covered post & beam cover over the concrete steps at the front door which encroaches into the front yard setback
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: Chris Schacher, 628 S A Street stated they would like to cover their front steps because he has an older house and the steps get icy. They would like to cover the steps for everyone’s safety, including family, the mail lady and anyone else visiting.
STAFF PRESENTATION: City Administrator Kennedy reported all notices of hearing were delivered to those property owners within 300’ and published in the paper for the public at large.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: none
SUPPORTERS: Darrold Cordray, 522 Washington lives kitty corner away from the Schacher home. He understands the steps are dangerous with ice and the proposal won’t impede anyone’s sight at the corner. He is in favor.
NEUTRALS: none
OPPONENTS: none
APPLICANT REBUTTAL: none
Hearing closed at 6:04 p.m.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Brian Perry asked if Public Works Director Mager had any concerns. City Administrator Kennedy stated he had no concerns since the proposal is not in the vision triangle.
On motion by James Zehner, second by Dan Gautney to recommend approval to the council for the variance application. Kevin Asker stated he saw no issues when he drove by the property. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Gautney, Stout, Perry, Zehner NO: none. ABSTAIN: none. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARING #2: The public hearing was opened at 6:07 p.m. for a conditional use submitted by Merrian Hanson, 208 E South 7th Street, to allow her to operate a one-chair salon in her home in residential zone A.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: Merrian Hanson, 208 E South 7th Street stated she would like to operate a one-chair salon in her home. Dan Gautney asked what her hours would be. Merrian stated whenever she felt like operating. It could be at random times and/or weekends. She wouldn’t have set hours. Kevin Asker stated Scott Street is one way. What is her client parking plan. Merrian stated she has off-street parking consisting of a driveway in the front and one in the back. She plans to use the Scott Street driveway for her salon. She will let them know of the one-way street and clients will be asked to park in the driveway. Kevin asked if she was licensed. Merrian stated she is licensed in Washington and she’s waiting on her Idaho license.
STAFF PRESENTATION: City Administrator Kennedy reported all notices of hearing were delivered to those property owners within 300’ and published in the paper for the public at large.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: The following written correspondence was received from adjoining property owners and is included in the file. This letter was read during the hearing.
• Irene Schmidt, 1110 Scott Street – Irene stated she was opposed to the conditional use due to traffic concerns of people driving too fast on Scott and 7th Steet, worry over kids playing or riding their bikes in the area and getting ran over, increased business traffic and winter snow plowing narrowing the streets and making it hard to see.
SUPPORTERS: none
NEUTRALS: none
OPPONENTS: none
APPLICANT REBUTTAL: Merrian stated everything in the letter could happen even if she has company to her house. She hopes none of those things happen. It doesn’t seem that crowded to her and she doesn’t see that many cars on E South 7th or Scott.
Hearing closed at 6:17 p.m.
Kevin Asker stated Scott Street only allows parking on one side of the street. Snow plowing is a public works problem and if there are issues then the city needs to be contacted. Dan Gautney stated he lived next door for 20 years. Snow plowing in the area is great. People do go the wrong way on Scott Street and drivers do want to drive fast. He doesn’t see these as issues for the variance. Brian Perry stated her drive at 24’x55’ is more than adequate for one client. He felt she had checked all the boxes to be self-sufficient on her own property. He noted the concerns addressed in the written correspondence. He felt those concerns didn’t change because of the salon. Most of the concerns are with the current public, not because of a salon in the house. James Zehner questioned the dirt work in the backyard. Merian stated that her husband is building a shop in the back yard.
DISCUSSION AND RECOMMENDATION: Dan Gautney made a motion, second by James Zehner to recommend to the council to approve the conditional use submitted by Merrian Hanson, 208 E South 7th Street to allow her to operate a one-chair salon in her home in residential zone A. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Gautney, Stout, Perry, Zehner NO: none. ABSTAIN: none. The motion passed.
STAFF REPORT ON PREVIOUS APPLICATIONS: Administrator Kennedy stated the Council approved the variance application for Angela Poxleitner for a digital-LED sign for outdoor advertising.
TITLE 10 ZONING REVIEW: No discussion occurred.
QUESTION: Kevin Asker stated the Elks Lodge had an inspection and it was noted there were cracks in sidewalk and it was noted it was a city problem. Administrator Kennedy explained that adjoining property owners are responsible for the sidewalk repairs. Kevin will bring that back to the Elks.
NEXT MEETING: A meeting is scheduled for November 25, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
Adjourned by Kevin Asker at 6:32 p.m.
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
