Recent letter in HS Sun by former council member

In a HS Sun letter to the editor, a former councilman complained about the approval of the expansion of the outdoor area for a dog boarding, training and grooming facility. He also complained about Councilman Van Fossen's vote in favor of the expansion since he served as the architect on the original design of the facility, not this current plan.

I knew before I read the letter that it would be slanted with innuendo, after reading it, I was right. However, one cannot dismiss the appearance of impropriety that voting on such a matter gives. Let me first address the voting issue. Van Fossen was not permitted to vote on the initial design since he would financially benefit from a positive vote on the project. He was recused from voting on the matter. According to his statements, he no longer is associated with Doggie Village other than being a customer. Legally he can and must vote on this expansion, but, the average person not familiar with municipal law and procedures would question this. Even if Van Fossen did not cast a vote or even if he left the room, he would have still gone on record as casting an "aye" (or yes) vote.

In the weeks prior to the initial approval of Doggie Village, Hope Chapel sought to lease this same facility in the business park. However a church is not a permitted use in the Light Industrial zoning district. The council voted against changing this entire zoning classification to include churches, which would have conveniently benefited this church, but would have affected this zoning in the entire town. The council never directly denied Hope Chapel from occupying this facility, they just did not approve changing the current zoning ordinance. Again, the average person may not understand this, but one with municipal experience would understand this issue. In addition, a "dog kennel" is a permitted special exception use in a Light Industrial" zone.

Hopefully this clarifies the issues presented in the letter. As I have said before, if something does not make sense, there is probably a valid explanation, like in this case. The only thing I can do is provide clarifications of the process and issues. But often the rules and requirements in government may not make sense to the average person, but it is the process to be followed. As far as the impression that such a vote provides, only you, the citizen, can make that determination. But I urge you to get the facts first.