"If you have a problem with the Legislature, go fight," he said during the meeting. "The law is what the law is. We don't have to agree with it, but we have to follow it."

Independence incorporation petitioner Mel McQuarrie said Tuesday that he thinks the current law fits the needs of his plan well. He hopes the Legislature won't change the law right in the middle of his incorporation.

McQuarrie and his four fellow petitioners want to create a town on about 14 square miles of undeveloped land along state Route 40.

"We'd like to create a nice urban development with a town center," he said, adding that he would like to see a balance of residential, mixed-use and agricultural zones in the new town. "Our intent is good, and we're not trying to drag people in. We thought it would be an opportunity for them."

About 100 people attended the meeting in the council chambers, but there was only seating for about 50, so several people sat cross-legged on the floor.

In public comments in the meeting and while waiting for an unannounced closed session held during the meeting, several people whose property lies in and around both proposed towns said they had no interest in them.

Darrell Brown, who lives adjacent to Independence, said he would probably leave the area if the incorporation is approved.

"I feel I spent a lot of money to live up here with this lifestyle," he said.

Jerry Strand, whose property is adjacent to the proposed boundaries of Independence, also voiced his opposition. "I think it's absolutely terrible, the whole concept of waking up one morning and learning you're in a community you knew nothing about."

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E-mail: RPalmer@desnews.com