At 6:46 p.m., Chair Hemphill announced Agenda Item 25-482: Discussion of
Planning Commission Roles and Responsibilities. The announcement included
the following comments:
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For Site Plan over 25,000 sf Planning Commission is the decision maker.
Other responsibilities fall under review and recommendation roles.
He would like to include information about possible role expansion in the
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Bi-annual Report given to Town Council.
Chair Hemphill turned it over to the Commission for discussion and for any
questions/comments of staff.
Some discussion/questions/comments regarding Administration and Review
roles/responsibilities included the following:
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Regarding current roles, the Site Plan review process does not include
consideration and action from Town Council.
No concern over the responsibility of the Planning Commission to weigh in
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on items outside of The Council’s ability to make the ultimate decision. It’s about
possibly adding volunteer roles.
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Concern over adding professional Planning roles that are specifically under
the responsibility of the Planning Department.
Intention of role expansion is to help Town Council and not involve
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responsibilities normally handled by staff. Planning Commission input could
possibly put some items on Consent Agenda.
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Look to other municipalities to learn what the roles are for their Planning
Commissions, and to see what they provide recommendations on and provide
feedback on. Possibly attend Planning Commission meetings of other
municipalities.
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Role expansion authorized by Town Council with buy in from staff.
Liaison to other Commissions, County and Regional.
Liaison for Long Range Planning.
Liaison to Advisory Boards.
Review of various other Town of Erie Master Plans.
Recommendation of Capital Improvements.
UDC/Code updates.
Help Council and Staff understand what Erie growth looks like.
Goal is to be helpful and not interfere with established roles and
responsibilities of Town Council and staff and not be a burden on and lengthen
application processes. A goal would be to help in a way to shorten certain
processes and make them more efficient.
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Expanded voluntary position(s) directed through the Department(s) receiving
feedback.
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Providing Program feedback.
Feedback should be provided by those who have a certain level of
knowledge and expertise.
Generally, regarding Master Plans, have Departmental reports and updates
provided by staff.
Joint meetings with Town Council to discuss expansion of roles.
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Some discussion/questions/comments regarding Rules of Procedure included the
following:
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Rules and Procedures are authorized, through Resolution, by Town Council.
Details of Roberts Rules and following them generally.
Correct current deviations in expected procedures.
Possibly implementing Rules of Procedure similar to Town Council.
Planning Commission Bylaws having mention of Rules of Procedure.
