While the Council meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, April 13, I think it's important to continue pressing forward by submitting Comment Letters this week (by Thursday, March 5).
If you’re considering submitting a written comment regarding the proposed LOI to Annex the Old Board Ranch parcel, the issues most likely to carry weight at this stage focus on process and policy consistency.
You do not need to address everything. Independent voices are more effective than identical letters.
Wildlife and environmental concerns are important, but at this stage, letters focused on process and policy consistency are most influential.
Most Effective Issues to Raise at this Stage
1. Transparency & Disclosure
Request that the City publicly disclose and enter into the record: a/ the LOI, b/ required studies already communicated to the applicant, and c/ governing standards that will be used to evaluate annexation, and d/ how consistency with the Comprehensive Plan will be determined
2. Sensitive Lands designation
The parcel is designated as “Sensitive Lands.” Ask how consistency with the Comprehensive Plan will be determined and what standard governs that determination.
3. Infrastructure & Floodplain considerations
You may also raise floodplain exposure, emergency access, long-term infrastructure obligations, municipal liability exposure, and fiscal impacts.
4. Alternatives
Which alternative sites not designated Sensitive Lands were evaluated? Were land uses consistent with the Sensitive Lands designated considered? Will annexation review include evaluation of reasonable alternatives?
Submission
1. Calm, concise (1-2 page max), policy-focused letters carry the most weight
2. Subject line: Written Comment – Old Board Ranch LOI to Annex (April 13)
3. Address to Mayor, Council, and Clerk: martha.burke@haileycityhall.org, kaz.thea@haileycityhall.org, dustin.stone@haileycityhall.org, sage.sauerbrey@haileycityhall.org, juan.martinez@haileycityhall.org, mary.cone@haileycityhall.org
4. Request that your letter be entered into the public record
5. Submit by Thursday, April 9, 2026