Planning Commission restructure
Ordinance reducing the Planning Commission from nine to seven members with alternates, adding an oath of office and mayoral removal with council consent. Adopted 3-1 on 2023-01-24.
- Where it stands
- Approved
- Type
- Code change
- Location
- Citywide
Every hearing and vote
January 10, 2023 · City Council
Restructuring the Planning Commission (pre-council)
Discussed
Planning staff drafted an ordinance cutting the commission from nine to seven members while keeping alternates; Kim Struthers said many communities are structured that way and it could improve efficiency. Mayor Mark Johnson suggested an oath of office and discussed letting the mayor remove members without cause; there were concerns about giving that power to the mayor alone, and it was suggested that removal be subject to the council's advice and consent. Commissioners Greg Jackson (neutral on removal), Brent Everett (supports an oath and efficiency without sacrificing due process) and Heather Newall (supports an oath and removal without cause) gave feedback.
January 24, 2023 · City Council
Planning Commission restructure, Title 3 Chapter 2 (Ordinance 09-2023)
Approved · 3-1
Kim Struthers said the ordinance reduces the number of commissioners, removal would be with the council's consent, and alternates would no longer sit on the dais but would still be paid and are expected to attend every meeting. Michelle Stallings opposed reducing the commission and removal without cause. Council Members Katie Koivisto and Chris Condie voiced concerns about removal without cause, and dropping that wording was discussed. Council Member Paul Hancock said removing it would not change the meaning and preferred to leave it. The motion added an oath of office administered by the chair. Council Member Condie voted no; Council Member Koivisto, who said she still had the same concerns, voted yes. The minutes' summary reads '4 in favor, 1 opposed' but the roll call lists three yes votes and one no.