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Mounds View Planning Commission October 6, 1999 Regular Meeting Page 11 • there would be ample opportunity to gain public input. Community Development Director Jopke reported he and Planning Associate Ericson had attended the State Planning Conference the previous Thursday and Friday in Bloomington. He commented that one of the sessions he had attended was a panel of Planning Commission members from a variety of different communities, and during that session, a question was raised regarding how staff could assist the Commissions in performing their very difficult job, and what could be done better. He noted that the Chair of the Eagan Planning Commission, an attorney with the League of Minnesota Cities, had indicated that staff should only provide factual information, and that recommendations by staff are unnecessary. Chair Peterson commented over the past several years the Planning Commission has received more complete and useful information than ever before, and in his perspective, staff has done a great job for the Planning Commission. Commissioner Miller stated the information staff provides is very helpful, particularly in terms of the references to the Code, which provides the Commissioners do not have to spend their valuable time researching these matters. She remarked it must be a very time consuming process to gather this information, however, it is very helpful when there are references to areas in the Code that are pertinent to the issues. Chair Peterson noted the Commission is subject to deadlines and timetables set by the Legislature, and generally have only one meeting in which to determine each case. He explained for the more clear cut cases, not having a staff recommendation., and therefore a resolution to consider, would substantially slow down the process. Commissioner Johnson pointed out there were times when staff requested the Commission's recommendation. He stated, and he had no problem with staff recommending one direction or another, and providing the reasons for their recommendation. He noted the Commission always adds their stipulations, and staff's recommendation of approval does not indicate that a case is approved as presented. Chair Peterson stated although it has been implied that if staff gives a recommendation for a specific issue, the Planning Commission will simply "rubber stamp" it, this is simply is not true. He noted, in many cases, initial information pointed in one direction, however, further review clarified the necessity to go in another direction. He stated he treated the staff recommendation as another item of information, and did not consider it in any way mandated. Commissioner Laube stated that staffs recommendation provides the Commission with staffs thoughts, and how they are researching their information, which assist in directing the Commission. He explained that the Commission does not deal with many of these issues on a daily basis, and without staffs recommendation the Commission would be required to spend 411 much time attempting to find the direction in which to proceed. He explained he has not always agreed with staffs recommendations, and there have been some very serious discussions while