Planning commission discusses training, commissioner appointment and annual report timing

Commissioners discussed training for new and continuing members, an outstanding council appointment and the timing of the commission’s annual report.

Staff said they have begun planning trainings covering land-use basics, ethics and the statement-of-economic-interest (SEI) filing and that they could provide “mini‑trainings” at future meetings or present League of Oregon Cities materials. Staff referenced the SEI form requirement and noted that missing the annual SEI by the April deadline can trigger fines for the individual commissioner.

Commissioners were told the city council did not appoint a new planning commissioner at its most recent meeting; staff said council will revisit the appointment at its Sept. 16 meeting. Staff reported three candidates had applied for the vacancy and that the mayor’s proposal of two candidates had been voted down by council.

On a procedural motion, the commission voted to move its annual report to city council from October to November to reflect local practice and staff capacity; roll call recorded Commissioners Leon Tejeda, Jones and Cooper voting aye and the motion passed. Staff said the commission’s annual report draft will be provided at the October meeting for consideration so it can be forwarded to council in November.

Staff also said meeting scheduling for October through December will depend on receipt of applications; if no applications arrive, some meetings may be canceled. Staff noted an Economic Opportunity Analysis (EOA) will be presented to the commission if it is received in time.