REPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION
April 19, 2017
FROM: JENNIFER K. CLARK, Director
Development and Resource Management Department
BY: MIKE SANCHEZ, Assistant Director
Development and Resource Management Department
SUBJECT:
Title
Consideration of update to Planning Commission Agenda and Bylaws
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission take the following action:
1. Approve the recommended adjustments to the Planning Commission Bylaws and Agenda as outlined below and in the attached Exhibits A and B.
“Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, or any other classification protected under the state or federal law in a derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by the Commission in making its land use determination.”
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Charter Section 904 authorizes the Planning Commission to adopt rules and regulations governing the conduct of the Commission meetings, and pursuant to such authority the Commission, can amend the procedures accordingly. The last update occurred in September of 2014, with the Commission making adjustments to the Bylaws. Upon review of the proposed amendments, the Commission may elect to adopt, amend or reject specific changes as necessary.
BACKGROUND
Recently, residential development projects scheduled for Planning Commission consideration have garnered special interest from area residents. While public testimony is strongly encouraged, all comments must fall within proper rules and conduct. Previous Planning Commission Agendas contained the following statement, “Any testimony that references race, religion, ethnicity, economic status, national origin, or any other classification protected under the state or federal law in a derogatory manner shall be deemed irrelevant and will not be considered by the Commission in making its land use determination.”
It has been requested by Commissioner Vasquez, Commission Vice-Chair, that this statement be inserted back into the Planning Commission Agenda. Incorporation of the statement will allow the Commission Chair to fully outline meeting procedures prior to any matter being considered by the Commission. This request does require an amendment to the Planning Commission Bylaws.
Pursuant to Section 8 A of the Planning Commission Bylaws, the aforementioned request is before the Commission for its consideration.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Planning Commission Bylaws
Exhibit B - Planning Commission Agenda