04/12/1976 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e Mr. Keller felt it has always been possible for persons from any area to apply; the fact that there are some areas not represented could mean there simply were no people interested enough to serve. He feels the aim is to get the best planning for the city and no one has convinced him that geographic distribution is really that important. There are other factors' tha t seem much more cri tical, and he does not feel that an area would be shortchanged simply because no commissioner lived in tha t area. Mr. Bradley noted that the Planning Commission performs both quasi-judicial functions and planning functions. If in the future a hearings official assumes the adjudication function, perhaps it would be a detriment to have geographic representation for planning functions. Mrs. Beal suggested that Planning COmnUssion members be selected on the basis of interest in ci vic affairs, interest in planning, freedom from conflict of interest, competence in chosen profession or other areas of interest, and available time. She suggested too that consideration be given the applicant's special knowledge or residence in a geographic area of the city. e Mr. Murray moved seconded by Mrs. Shirey that future Planning Commissioners be selected on a ward basis to ensure more equitable geographic distribution and genuine citywide participation; that those selected shall also have an interest in ci vie affairs, interest in planning, freedom from conflict of interest, competence in chosen profession or other areas of interest, and available time; that future selections be by open application, applicants 'applying for a posi tion from the ward in which they reside; that the Council member from that ward should have no llOre formal influence than any other in selecting; that the appointment method would affect only future appointments and not alter existing Planning Commdssion membership; that two Commissioners be added immediately, one of thein to expand the number from 7 to 8 and one to fill the current vacancy; that the appointments should be made from wards where no current members reside', Council to determine from which two wards; that llOre precise geographic distribution be developed later as needed. Corom 4/12/76 See action below As another al ternati ve, Mr. Keller suggested meeting in advance of each selection to arrive at a process to be used for each specific selection. Each time a vacancy occurs, he said, categories could be established which were fel t to be important in filling that particular spot. They could be ranked by number on a grid - in order of importance. Candidates would be rated in all categories. The rating in each category would be multiplied by the number given that category and all scores added together for the grand total. Only those candidates with total scores above the median would then be given final consideration. -.. - ---"-. . Mr. Haws did not understand Mr. Keller-'s idea but felt it seemed too time consuming. Mr. Bradley wondered about the possibility of giving highest geographic balance but not stipulating it in the ordinance. Council would have more flexibili ty, he thought. priority to That way the .e Mr. Murray expressed not being against a process whereby, in the event there did not appear to be a satisfactory candidate from the vacant ward who also possessed all the other desirable qualities, then the Council could appoint a inember from another portion of the city at large. Hr. Haws wondered if that would dispel the fears of those opposed to the ward system. Mr. Keller felt it would not, in that the ward provision would still 'be wri tten into the c1 ty code and Council would be obligated to at least try to fill the posi tion by ward. ~~ 4/12/76 - 31