Deliberations continue on Talus Rock

DOVER — Proponents and opponents of Talus Rock encountered another false summit on Thursday.

The City Council opted to continue its deliberations again on a special use permit for the resort retreat because its legal counsel had a scheduling conflict which forced her leave the meeting prematurely. The council also wanted plenty of time hash out a decision whether to approve or deny Bruce Pedersen’s permit request.

The council is scheduled to resume consideration of the Talus Rock permit on Monday, Nov. 29 at City Hall. The hearing starts at 6 p.m.

Thursday’s proceedings largely involved the project’s representative reading into the record a lengthy list of justifications supporting approval and a letter from a Boise law firm arguing the council had no choice but to allow the after-the-fact permit.

Prior installments of the Talus Rock hearing focused on adjacent landowners’ objections to a commercial use in the bucolic neighborhood off Syringa Heights Road. They argue the council has discretion to deny the permit and reminded council members that Talus Rock was in operation before a permit was sought.

Councilwoman Maggie Becker questioned Pedersen whether he was turning a profit at his 8,300-square-foot home after being put on notice by the city that a permit was required. He declined to answer the question in a public forum.

Becker also took issue with the applicants’ insinuation that the council was unfamiliar with the particulars of the city’s comprehensive land use plan, a document which has council members spent ample time drafting.

“I take great offense to that,” said Becker.

Councilmen Jim Janish and David Darling inquired about a write-up in a trade publication which indicated Talus Rock was up for sale.

Pedersen said the home is not currently listed for sale, but admitted that it everything has a price and it could ultimately be sold.

“In this economy, we’re going to hold onto it as long as we can,” he said.

Janish suggested the council avoid a lengthy delay in further deliberation so prior testimony in the matter does not fade.

“Delaying it, at least in my mind, tends to diminish both sides’ testimony,” Janish said.

Councilwoman Peggy Burge anticipates checking Talus Rock point-by-point against the city’s comp plan.

“I’d like a really focused discussion,” she said.