Minutes - Planning Commission - 08/01/1995 - Workshop

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Commissioner Deemer also noted that sometimes citizens take the stand where they leave no room for negotiation. Commissioner Bawden questioned how commission authority should be drawn up. He noted that it's mentioned in the City Code, but it is very vague. Councilmember Zimmerman suggested the possibility of it being addressed in the City Charter. Commissioner Bawden stated that if there is anything specific, then maybe it should be addressed at another one of these meetings to outline expectations. Councilmember Beyer felt that was a good idea. She stated that maybe if one had been held in July, the Comprehensive Plan process would not have gotten out of control. Commissioner Hendriksen stated that City Ordinance is very specific about the role of the commissions. He also noted that RLK was very specific in who to take directions. Councilmember Beyer agreed that "we dropped the ball and should have kept on top of what was going on from Staff." Councilmember Zimmerman stated there should be some kind of diplomacy written out to know where the limits are. Commissioner Hendriksen stressed his disappointment where he feels the rules were changed in the middle of the game, adding that it offended him enough to run for office. Councilmember Beyer stated she thinks that why all the members got on the Council. Mayor Hardin stated that as an elected official, he has the right to have as much information as he can about any particular case that comes before him---from Staff, residents, and the various commissions. "I have an obligation to review all that information to make a decision. I will continue to solicit information from Staff, residents, and the commissions and base my decisions on that information." Commissioner Bawden agreed that was fair, but he was concerned that certain viewpoints get clouded. Commissioner Holland asserted that it was the responsibility of the decision maker to sort that out. He also noted it was "our responsibility to respect other people's opinions." Commissioner Deemer had questions about the modifications concerning commercial vehicles in the city. City Administrator Schroeder advised that there will be a workshop on the subject held in September. Mayor Hardin noted that there was one held a few weeks ago, prompting the need for one to be held in September. Commissioner Holland again inquired about the regularity and basis of joint meetings. Councilmember Beyer stated she liked the idea of quarterly meetings, and stressed the need to keep them up. She stated similar meetings were started four years ago, and it just died. City Council-Planning Commission/August 1, 1995 Page 4 of 5