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DECORAH — In a meeting Monday morning, the Winneshiek County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a package of zoning ordinance amendments after a lengthy discussion on changes to the Planning and Zoning Commission's governance language, including the controversial authority to remove commission members. The ordinance, read aloud in full, included procedural updates, application deadlines, and the addition of two new principal uses to the A-2 district: forest products concentration yards (excluding sawmills) and production facilities such as wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries, including tasting rooms. While most amendments passed without dispute, proposed language granting the Board of Supervisors the authority to remove Planning and Zoning Commission members "for just cause upon written charges and after a public hearing" prompted an exchange among supervisors. Supervisor Shirley Vermace challenged the lack of checks on the board's removal powers, a stance she has maintained since the introduction of the amendments. "Why wouldn't we say, 'Have the commission come to us for a recommendation?'" she asked. "That makes sense. There is nothing that says that someone on that commission cannot come to the board and say, 'This is the problem that we have.'" Vermace then proposed adding language that would require the Planning and Zoning Commission to make an "evidence-based recommendation" for removal, subject to board action. However, her motion failed for lack of a second. "I have a hard time with this," Supervisor Mark Faldet responded. "I'm going with what our commission, Planning and Zoning, put forward … I don't like to go contrary to what they've recommended." The ordinance's wording mirrors that of the Board of Adjustment, according to Zoning Administrator Tony Phillips, who confirmed the change originated with his office. "The change was initiated to make the verbiage of the 'P and Z' membership match the verbiage of the Board of Adjustment membership," he explained. Supervisor Steve Kelsay clarified with County Auditor Ben Steines during discussion that no zoning commission members have ever been removed midterm. "I can't remember any," Steines replied. Still, concerns about politicization of appointments lingered. Vermace pointed to a relatively recent example. "We replaced a really good person on that board, which is a detriment to this county," Vermace said, referring to a prior Conservation Board decision to remove Bill Ohde at the end of his term, despite his interest in continuing to serve on the board. "Why wouldn't the proposal for removal come from the team first? That's good government." Despite Vermace's opposition, the board ultimately voted to approve the ordinance and waive the second and third readings. The motion passed 4-1, with Vermace casting the lone dissenting vote.

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Zoning Ordinance Amendments Approved Following Debate Over Commission Powers