02/12/1986 P&Z Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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• • • PLANNING $ ZONING BOARD February 12, 1986 Page Seven NEW BUSINESS New City Planner - The general concensus of the Board was a feeling of puzzlement and shock at reading in the recent Council minutes in which a motion was carried to advertise for a new City Planner. Upon beginning this discussion, Mr. Johnson excused himself from the meet- ing. Mr. Prokop stated that he felt this action was inappropriate, particu- larly in view of the task force which has just gotten off the ground, which will heavily depend on Mr. Johnson's expertise and the fact that he is now familiar with the City and the ordinances. Changing planners at this time would be a detriment to the task force he felt. Also, he was puzzled by the fact that the P & Z Board was not approached, when evidently the Council felt there was a problem with the present planner. Mr. Cody felt that Mr. Johnson's credibility is severely impaired by this action and that the working relationship which has been established between the P & Z Board and Mr. Johnson may also suffer. He felt that this action, without considering the opinion of the P & Z Board showed a lack of respect to the P & Z Board, on the part of the City Council. Mr. McLean said that he had not been asked his opinion on this matter, and that upon learning of the action taken, he contacted the City Administrator to ask what rationale backed the action, and the City Administrator told him that he did not know the rationale or reasons behind the issue and concurred that this action comes at a particularly poor time. Mr. McLean felt that Mr. Johnson is very factual in pre- senting his research on issues and also does a good job of not becoming involved in the "emotional" side of the issues. Mrs. Klaus stated that she felt personally that Mr. Johnson has done a good job and she would recommend continuing his services as City Planner - that she feels very comfortable with his presentation of issues. She and Mr. Cody asked for some reasons from the Council. Mr. McLean felt that the comprehensive plan review has already been restricted by the budget and that further restrictions would result should a new planner have to be "trained in ". MOTION: Mr. Prokop moved that the Chairman of the P E Z Board contact the Mayor requesting reasons for this action and pass on the opinion of the P $ Z Board that the timing of this action is poor because of the task force plans (which are restricted by budget), and ask what changes have occurred that the P &Z Board is unaware of. Each member's opinion (as outlined above) should be passed on to the Mayor and Council. The motion was seconded by Mrs. Klaus. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kluegel, when asked if he was aware of any reasons, said that he was not aware of the reasons.