Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/05/2002

Home

I I I I I I I I I :1 I I I i I I Doug Fountain, 15255 Gamett Street NW, Ramsey, stated that he recently watched a Planning Commission meeting that was rebroadcast and there were only three members present and only one of those people had something to say. He recommended that the Council take action to get more members on the Commission. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he was on the Planning Commission for 14 years, and now the City has a policy of how long people can serve on commissions, which is fine, but he thought it was misguided because the Planning Commission is a commission where long standing precedent is very important. He stated that the one thing the incoming Council should consider is rescinding the policy. Councilmember Kurak stated that one of the newly elected Councilmembers is very adamant about that. The issue will be brought forward early after the first of the year. The Council held an off camera discussion to discuss the Planning Commission appointment. Councilmember Anderson inquired if they were filling a partial term Councilmember Kurak replied yes, but noted that it is almost a full term. Councilmember Hendriksen stated that he did not think that there was anything wrong with the current Council making the new appointments. Councilmember Anderson stated that right now they were only talking about the replacement for Kathleen Sweet. Councilmember Hendriksen recommended that they make the appointment to fill Kathleen Sweet's position and then many appointments open the first of the year. Councilmember Anderson stated that she was opposed to that. Motion by Mayor Gamec, seconded by Councilmember Kurak, to appoint Gary Van Scoy to fill the remaining term of Kathleen Sweet on the Planning Commission, which will expire December 31, 2005. Further discussion: Councilmember Hendriksen inquired as to whose terms were up at the end of the year. Community Development Director Frolik replied that the terms of Mike Nixt, Robert Johnson and Bill Kociscak expire at the end of the year. Mr. Johnson and Mr. Nixt have expressed interest in reappointment. Mayor Gamec felt that the new Council should make the new appointments. Community Development Director Frolik inquired if the members should stay on the Commission until the Council makes a decision. Majority consensus was yes. Motion carried. Voting Yes: Mayor Gamec, Councilmembers Kurak, and Anderson. Voting No: Councilmember Hendriksen: City Council/November 12, 2002 Page 21 of 22 P37