Planning staff report upcoming lot-line adjustment and ongoing recruitment challenges

Planning staff told the Fortina Planning Commission that a lot-line adjustment to finalize the Jean Lucas Center supportive housing units will appear on the commission's July 26 agenda and that recruitment for key planning staff remains challenging.

Sherry Meads, the community development director, said the lot-line adjustment could have been placed on the consent calendar but will be discussed because it is the meetingonly item. She described it as excitingand said the item is intended to "round out and finish out the Jean Lucas Center, supportive housing unit project." Staff did not present additional substantive project details during the update and indicated the full lot-line adjustment packet will be available at the next meeting.

Meads also updated commissioners on recruitment. She said the city has received applications for a senior planner but candidates with the precise land-use and development-review experience needed have been limited. Meads said one candidate interviewed from Colorado had relevant land-use experience but would face delays relocating because they own a home there. She said, "we're still hoping for that unicorn," describing difficulty finding candidates able and willing to relocate.

On building inspection staffing, Meads said the city has received very few applications despite offering a 34-hour workweek and that one candidate from Nevada may be invited for a second interview. She said colleagues in the Sonoma County area report similar difficulties and that it is challenging to attract professional staff right now.

No formal action was taken during the staff communications item; commissioners did not vote on the lot-line adjustment at this meeting.