McCall council approves formal comments on Valley County plan, designates mayor to speak

The City Council reviewed and approved a draft letter, prepared by Community and Economic Development staff, commenting on Valley County's proposed comprehensive plan and code amendments affecting the McCall Impact Area.

Michelle Grunewelt, community and economic development director, told council the letter points out that the County's draft reads as an existing‑conditions report rather than a forward‑looking plan, lacks a clear vision statement and has implementation gaps (for example, no clear zoning rules linked to the future land use map). "The majority of the county is identified as residential with limited associated zoning, and Valley County's minimum lot size is one acre," Grunewelt said, arguing that the plan's language may not produce the intended rural character.

Council debated tone and approach. One council member said they felt the County had shown "a great deal of disrespect" and preferred firmer language; staff and other council members urged a professional, constructive tone. Delta James, staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission, and other staff noted that some county properties (for example, the Payette Lakes Inn) are outside city limits and the city's direct authority is limited.

Council voted to direct staff to submit the edited letter and then voted to designate Mayor Giles to represent McCall at the Valley County Board of County Commissioners public hearing on Dec. 1.

The letter will be submitted and a council representative will attend the county hearing to present McCall's concerns.