HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 PC ReorganizationITEM #1
~ QTY ~~
PATE. SEPTEMBER 22, 2009 ~ Cl ~ @ t" - C O m \~~
PLANNING COMMISSION
TO:
FROM: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZATION
RECOMMENDATION
Pleasure of the Commission.
BACKGROUND
As a matter of standard procedure, the Planning Commission reorganizes once a year
by appointing a Chair and Chair Pro Tem. Planning Commission reorganization has
typically occurred the first Planning Commission meeting in March of each year, to
coincide with the March 1st term expiration date established for members of the
Planning Commission. The reorganization procedure is a Planning Commission policy
and is not mandated by City Code.
However, following the July 22, 2008, resignation of past Chair John Nielsen and
September 2, 2008, appointment of current Commissioner Marge Kasalek, a Planning
Commission reorganization occurred on September 23, 2008, appointing current Chair
Puckett and Chair Pro Tem Kozak. Since Planning Commission reorganization has
typically occurred annually, the next reorganization is scheduled for September 22,
2009.
At the September 8, 2009, meeting, the Planning Commission requested staff to identify
possible revisions to the current Planning Commission reorganization policy, including
an alternative to schedule Planning Commission reorganization with the fiscal year.
DISCUSSION
The following reorganization options are provided for Planning Commission
consideration:
Annual Reorganization Until Otherwise Warranted -The current Chair and Chair
Pro Tem have served since September 23, 2008. Other than periodic
adjustments that may be needed in the future (e.g. resignation of a Chair or Chair
Pro Tem), Planning Commission reorganization could occur annually from the
date of the last reorganization. If implemented, Planning Commission
PC Reorganization
September 22, 2009
Page 2
reorganization should occur as scheduled at the September 22, 2009, Planning
Commission meeting.
2. First Meeting in March -Tustin City Code Section 1513 limits a Planning
Commission member's term of office to March 1St. Chair Puckett's and
Commissioner Thompson's terms end on March 1, 2010. Chair Pro Tem
Kozak's and Commissioners Thompson and Kasalek's terms end on March 1,
2011. Planning Commission reorganization at the first meeting in March would
follow the seating of new Planning Commissioners and would be consistent with
the procedure followed prior to Chair Nielsen's resignation. Additional
reorganizations could occur as needed to fill any mid-term Chair or Chair Pro
Tem vacancy. However, Planning Commission reorganization would occur the
first meeting in March, regardless of how long the mid-term Chair or Chair Pro
Tem had performed their interim responsibility. If implemented, the Commission
would need to determine whether the scheduled September 22, 2009, annual
Planning Commission reorganization should occur or should wait until
reorganization occurs in March 2010.
3. Calendar Year -Some cities perform Planning Commission reorganization at the
first meeting in January of each calendar year. This option would be problematic
for use in Tustin since a calendar year reorganization is not consistent with the
terms of service established by Tustin City Code Section 1513 and the seating of
new Planning Commissioners. If implemented, Planning Commission
reorganization would be determined by outgoing Planning Commissioners and
without the input of the newly appointed Commissioners being seated just two
months later.
4. Fiscal Year- Reorganization could be tied to the change of the City's fiscal year,
which begins on July 1 and ends on June 30. This option would be problematic
for the same reasons noted in option 3 above.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Planning Commission provide direction as to which Planning
Commission reorganization option should be followed. In the event that the Planning
Commission chooses to reorganize at this time, the Commission should undertake the
following actions:
1. A Commissioner should open nominations for Chairperson.
2. The Commissioner should then close nominations and call for a vote for
Chairperson.
PC Reorganization
September 22, 2009
Page 3
3. The new Chairperson will open nominations for Chairperson Pro Tem.
Nominations should be closed, and the Chairperson should call for a vote for the
Chairperson Pro Tem.
C~ F
Elizabeth A. Binsack
Community Development Director
Dana L. Ogdon
Assistant Director
S: \Cdd\PC RE POR112009\PC reo rg09. doc