Agenda Packets - 1993/05/03 - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM TO: SAMANTHA ORDUNO, CLERK-ADMINISTRATOR FROM: PAUL HARRINGTON, CITY PLANNER DATE: April 29, 1993 SUBJECT: DUAL COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS As we have discussed in the past, I have some rather serious concerns about the lack of a City policy addressing service by one individual on more than one advisory commission. It is my opinion that allowing concurrent service on more than one commission creates a potential conflict of interest, limits participation of the residents of the City as a whole and, gives the perception of the City being "run" by a select number of individuals. For example, in the course of my work with the Planning Commission, I have experienced situations where the actions of the Planning Commission have had indirect impacts on other City Commissions. Specifically, when discussing the potential for development of wetlands, use of the property as potential park land or storm water management area is brought up. Although I think input from both the Park Commission and the Environmental Quality Commission is advisable in these situations, soliciting input from one member of these commissions - who may also happen to be serving on the Planning Commission - may not always result in an opinion which is representative of the other commission as a whole. Also, I am concerned about limiting the participation of willing residents to serve on advisory commissions. Within the past month, I have received two applications for appointment to the Planning Commission. Currently, the Planning Commission is at capacity; However, one of the Planning Commission chairs is held by a member who is also a member of the Park Commission. I feel it should be our goal to get as many residents involved in the process of decision making as possible. By allowing concurrent commission appointments, we may not be working towards this end. Finally, I have, in the past, heard comments from residents stating that they continue to see the same people involved in the decision making process at all levels. This perception of a select number of individuals "running" the City - whether real or imagined - is an issue the City needs to deal with. Allowing service on more than one commission only serves to reinforce this perception. Please let me know what the Council's feelings are on this issue after you have had a chance to discuss it with them.