Resident reads attorney letter alleging planning commission denied wetlands presentation

Tammy Robertson, who identified herself as a Medical Lake resident, read an attorney-signed letter to the planning commission saying she had been prevented from providing a 15-minute educational presentation on wetlands at a past meeting and asked that the commission allow the presentation during the first public-comment period in March.

"To whom it may concern, this office represents Tammy Robertson...The rules specifically allow for a citizen to provide some educational information without being placed on the agenda...I am praying during the upcoming planning commission meeting in March, I will be able to give my 15 minute educational wetland presentation during the first interested citizens portion," Robertson read from the letter.

Robertson told the commission she had delivered a copy of the letter to commissioners and the city and said the presentation was particularly important given local wetland regulatory issues. The planner acknowledged receipt of correspondence but did not commit to an on-the-record remedy during the meeting; the public hearing on the MLMC zoning amendments was continued to March, when public-comment scheduling will recur.

Also during public comment, a resident identified as Diane asked how rezoning environmentally sensitive areas would preserve the area's natural beauty, mitigate recurring drainage problems near South Lake Terrace and Fox Hollow, and what mitigation or cleanup plans (and costs) would apply to housing on the former Nike site. The planner said the city will involve Ecology and other agencies when formal applications are submitted and that remediation requirements depend on agency review.

The commission did not take immediate action on Robertson's procedural claim; it continued the broader MLMC amendments hearing to the March meeting where interested residents can again present and comment.