PC 07/28/99 - Laserfiche WebLink

they are being paid for a meeting they did not attend. He commented that the commissioners are not being paid for their time; the stipend is intended to recognize that they are volunteering. He noted that the more complicated the tracking and payment system is, the more difficult it is for staff. Commissioner Maas suggested that consideration be given to raising the maximum. Chairperson Kumaran noted that this option would be of concern to him. Commissioner Maas suggested the following three options: 1. No compensation, with service being totally voluntary. 2. Pursue Commissioner Kumaran's recommendation and ask staff or the Finance Department to look at this option. 3. Leave it as is. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Jack Hovingh, 4250 Muirwood Drive, observed that he was raised with the understanding that he had an obligation to serve society. He was taught that we owe something to society for the education and protection we have received, and must return something to society in the form of public service. When, in 1989, the City Council decided to pay the members of the City Commissions a stipend of $50 per-meeting attended (Maximum of $100 per month), then Planning Commissioner Hovingh objected to the Council that the stipend robbed him of donating public service. Commissioner Hovingh donated his stipends to various charities such as Planned Parenthood, the Humane Society, etc. Citizen Hovingh noted that he is strongly opposed to changes in the compensation for commissioners. He noted that even consideration of the proposed change in Planning Commissioners' compensation smacked more of greed than it does of public service. Citizen Hovingh closed with a quote from Joe Welch to Senator Joe McCarthy, "Have you no sense of decency, sir...?" He observed that in his opinion, even the discussion of a change in the Planning Commissioners' compensation demonstrates no sense of decency. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Maas requested that staff examine issues relating to a credit option policy for Commission members and report back to the Commission. She noted that she would not be in favor of a recommendation being submitted to the City Council until staff examines issues. Commissioner Kameny commented that no credits are given for commissioners attending special meetings and he suggested that the number of meetings that the commissioners attend be taken into consideration. A motion was made by Chairperson Kumaran, seconded by Commissioner Kameny, that a recommendation be submitted to the City Council to consider granting credits for extra meetings attended by commission members. PLANN1NG COMMISSION MINUTES Page 8 July 28, 1999