Once again County Commission Chairman Dan Deming found himself at odds with the other two commissioners.

This time it had to do with whether the commission would allow comments before a final vote over planning, zoning and special use permit issues.

As its stands now, the commission has a policy of not allowing comments prior to a final vote, instead having any comments made during planning commission hearings. Deming wants to change that by changing the publishing of legal notices that would inform the public on when certain items would be discussed and considered allowing for public comments.

Both Commissioners James Schlickau and Brad Dillons seemed content with having the way it is. Schlickau in particular was totally opposed to the change, while Dillon understood where Deming was coming from, but then indicated he’s comfortable with the current practice.

Deming argues that the commission has become nothing more then a rubber stamp for the planning commission while Schlickau says he likes it this way because everyone knows the rules and the planning commission is the primary decision makers.

Dillon says he could see changing it if it were a close vote or there is something unusual with the item. Schlickau says if something comes up that has residents concerned, they can always send it back to the planning commission.

Deming says some surrounding counties and the city of Hutchinson currently have policies the reflect the change he wants to make. Those counties include Harvey, Butler, and Sedgwick.

This item was only up for discussion Tuesday morning and Dillon asked for time to think about it, so any decision will come next week.