Minutes - Planning Commission - 10/23/2025

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Planning Manager Larson confirmed that this process would add an extra step for residents, as they would also need to go before the City Council. He stated that if the recommendation from the Planning Commission were unanimous, the item would be placed on the consent agenda for the Council, and if there were a split vote, the item would be its own case. Chairperson Gengler asked if the resident would have an opportunity to speak at the City Council meeting or whether that input would only be allowed at the public hearing conducted by the Planning Commission. Planning Manager Larson replied that applicants do have the right to make their case, and while items before the Council are often not public hearings, the Mayor and past mayors have allowed residents to comment. Commissioner Musgrove stated that she appreciates the thought of the Council but disagrees with the proposal. She stated that in the process, as presented, an appeal would go before a judge through the court, which would be additional time and expense for residents. She noted that in the current process, the Commission makes a decision, and the resident can appeal that decision to the City Council. Planning Manager Larson commented that currently, anyone can appeal the decision of the Planning Commission within ten days. He commented that the decision of the Council could then be appealed through the courts. Commissioner Musgrove commented that she believes the time and process as it exists today is better for residents, and it still provides the opportunity to appeal to the Council if it is denied. Commissioner R. Bauer agreed with Commissioner Musgrove. He stated that this process is fairly efficient and quick, without many problems, as only a few cases have been appealed to the Council. He stated that the process works well, and it is to the benefit of the residents that they only have to attend one meeting, or could appeal that decision and go to the City Council. He believed that the proposed process would add extra steps and delays and would not be best for the residents. Commissioner N. Bauer stated that she disagrees with the recommendation of the City Council. She stated that she believes in checks and balances, and the job of the Planning Commission is not political. She stated that the current process is tried and true, and the proposed process would complicate that and bring detriment to the residents. Chairperson Gengler asked if there were any concerns with the 60-day review for this process. Planning Manager Larson stated that all land use applications follow the same process, with the exception that variances currently fall off earlier in that process, so there would be no concerns with the review period. Commissioner Musgrove stated that perhaps the ten days should be clarified as business days within the current ordinance if the Council could be convinced to keep the current process. Planning Commission/ October 23, 2025 Page5of7