PC 042507 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Decker stated that the Commission would be receiving weekly packets and indicated that the project planners would be available to answer any questions the Commissioners might have on the various projects. She noted that this would be a fast-track process and encouraged the Commission to contact the planners ahead of time so that when these projects come before the Commission, they can be acted upon rather than continued for lack of information that could have been provided earlier. She pointed out that there would be only a week between the meetings and that it would be difficult for staff to address all the issues during that time frame as there are existing commitments to the daily routine, the counter requirements, and meetings with applicants and staff on projects that are already in the system. She added that applicants will be aware that their projects would be going before the Commission in May, and continuing their items would create some frustration and may cause a negative perception of the Commission. Chairperson Fox inquired if these projects were the ten that Ms. Robin Giffin referred to at the April 11, 2007 meeting as ready for Commission consideration. Ms. Decker replied that these projects are in various stages of readiness. She explained that the staff reports are the result of hundreds of staff hours provided by the various City departments, including Fire, Engineering, Parks and Community Services, and Police, to ensure that the projects are presented in a condensed format that is clear, concise, and legible. Chairperson Fox inquired if projects that are located in the same geographical area, such as the four projects related to the Downtown area, could be consolidated and placed on the same agenda so neighbors who may want to come and speak on these projects will not have to attend three or four consecutive meetings. Ms Decker replied that this would not be possible as not all the projects would be ready at same time. She noted that Mr. Oxsen’s application was continued from a previous meeting based on a neighbor’s letter and has already been noticed, while the other projects are not yet ready to go. Commissioner Narum noted that the Mayor has a project on the Consent Calendar, and she and Commissioner O’Connor inquired if those on the Commission who were appointed by the Mayor would have to recuse themselves for this item. Ms. Harryman replied that there is no conflict of interest here and that all the Commissioners can participate in the discussion. Chairperson Fox inquired if this item could be moved to the Public Hearing section as the Consent Calendar is for items that are routine in nature, and the Commission has never heard an animal use application for a hawk before. Ms. Decker reminded the Commissioners that animal use permits were heard by the Commission about a year ago in connection with applications to maintain chickens in a residential area. She advised that the agenda is created based on whether issues arise with the neighbors at the time of notification. She indicated that conversations with the neighbors on this particular item have raised no issues, and hence, the item was placed on the Consent Calendar. She noted that the item can be pulled from the Consent Calendar item should any issues arise by the time the item is scheduled for a Commission meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 25, 2007 Page 5 of 11