M E M O R A N D U M 06-185

TO: MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM: MATT SHADLE, COUNCILMEMBER

DATE: NOVEMBER 16, 2006

SUBJ: CONCEPT OF SUBSTITUTE/ALTERNATE PLANNING COMMISSIONERS

The action of the Homer Advisory Planning Commission is critical and crucial to business activities of our citizens. When the Commission does not have enough members present to take final action on permits, vacations, plats etcetera this holds up business thereby impacting the economics and revenue of the City as a whole.

I'd like the Council to consider having substitute/alternate Commissioners, specifically for the Planning Commission. Other Commissions have used this process, most recently the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Mayor would appoint up to three substitutes or alternates, I prefer the word substitute. The Council would confirm the appointment.

The substitute would receive the Commission packets, which would be an added expense and one well spent.

If a Commissioner is going to be out of town they advise the Chair and let the substitute know, who in turn fills in for that Commissioner.

The idea is to ensure that business may be conducted.

This would also provide a way to keep future potential Commissioners up to speed and reduce the learning curve and training. The substitutes should attend Worksessions and as many meetings as possible to keep up to speed should their substitute services be required.

I have not done the research, but have been advised that several times matters could not be taken up due to requiring 5 votes instead of 4 and only 4 were present or 5 were present, but one had a Conflict of Interest. It seems in the best interest of the City and its citizens to have a full Planning Commission taking the actions.

RECOMMENDATION:

Discuss concept, if in agreement amend HCC 1.76.040 to provide for substitutes.

Fiscal Note: Cost of printing additional packets, notification and nameplates.