HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-09-12; Planning Commission; MinutesPlanning Commission Workshop Minutes September 12, 2012 Page 1
Minutes of: PLANNING COMMISSION WORKSHOP
Time of Meeting: 3:30 p.m.
Date of Meeting: September 12, 2012
Place of Meeting: FARADAY ROOM 173A
CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Schumacher called the workshop to order at 3:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Schumacher, Commissioners Arnold, Black, L’Heureux, Nygaard, Scully
and Siekmann
STAFF PRESENT
Don Neu, City Planner Jane Mobaldi, Assistant City Attorney
Bridget Desmarais, Administrative Secretary
1. Opening Remarks from Mayor Matt Hall and Mayor Pro Tem Ann Kulchin
Don Neu, City Planner, opened the workshop and introduced Mayor Matt Hall and Mayor Pro
Tem Ann Kulchin, with each providing opening comments to the Commission.
Mayor Hall stated that as a former Planning Commissioner and Council member, he has a real respect for the planning commission. As a council member, for items coming before the council
that were heard by the Planning Commission, the first thing he does is review the minutes and the comments made during the Planning Commission meeting. Each commissioner brings
something different and unique to the dais and to the meeting. Mayor Hall stated that the City of Carlsbad Planning Commission is given more authority than other communities in the area.
Council Member Ann Kulchin commented that the council does rely on the commission. The
council does review the Planning Commission minutes first when reviewing projects for council hearings.
2. Role of the Planning Commission and Decision Making
Who does the commission represent?
Mayor Hall stated the roles are as Planning Commissioners for the city, not as code enforcement officers or as building inspectors. He advised the commissioners to contact the
appropriate staff members and to allow the process to work. What is important is how prepared you are and how briefed you are on the topics.
Council Member Kulchin stated that the mission is land use and quality of life and the
Commission should not talk politics. She invited the Planning Commission to attend the annual council goal setting workshop later in the year.
Authority, Findings, and Opinions
Ms. Mobaldi stated that it is important to not redesign a project on the dais, and the
commission should rely on staff for those issues.
Ms. Mobaldi stated that the Planning Commission should be following the laws and standards that are in place. If a project is legally challenged, a judge will look at what a commissioner
Planning Commission Workshop Minutes September 12, 2012 Page 2
articulates and what motivates a decision. If a commissioner feels strongly about an issue,
there is a process for bringing it to the council's attention.
Mr. Neu stated that staff regularly attends City Council briefings when Planning items are on
the Council agenda. He commented that he informs Council Members of the issues and
concerns raised during the Planning Commission meeting.
3. Improving Standards and Process
• Procedure to forward requests to the City Council for consideration
• Planning Commission Briefings
Commissioner Nygaard stated that commissioners should be prepared for their briefings and
should ask any questions during that time.
Mayor Hall commented that the commissioners should be professional in asking the
questions as it is the power of the question.
Council Member Kulchin commented that issues do come up during public hearings. She
feels it is important to keep an open mind to all information provided for an agenda item.
Commissioner L'Heureux commented that it is important for the public to know there is not a
preordained conclusion,
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission Workshop of September 12, 2012, was adjourned at 5:50p.m.
DON NEU
City Planner
Bridget Desmarais
Minutes Clerk