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Planning commission debates bylaw changes, board size and ex‑officio seats
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether to reduce membership from nine, limits on ex‑officio members per the planning enabling act, and whether to seek a county or non‑elector representative; no ordinance change was adopted and the commission asked staff to explore City Commission interest.
Members of the Traverse City Planning Commission used their Jan. 7 meeting to review the commission’s bylaws and consider potential changes to membership size, ex‑officio representation and agenda-review practices. No ordinance changes were adopted; staff was asked to research options and, if interest exists at the City Commission level, return with information at a study session.
Staff reminded the commission that the planning enabling act limits ex‑officio members to no more than one‑third of the commission’s membership. Commissioners said a move from nine to seven members would force the body to remove at least one current ex‑officio seat to remain compliant. Staff also noted that any change to membership composition is set by local ordinance and requires City Commission approval.
Commissioners expressed mixed views on adding a county representative or a non‑elector seat. Proponents said a county or outside member could improve regional coordination on issues such as housing; opponents argued the commission’s primary duty is to city residents and that a county designee might duplicate efforts without formal reporting ties to the county board.
The group discussed adding a formal agenda‑review role for one commissioner, but commissioners noted the planning commission’s legal timelines and the staff workload involved in a recurring daytime review. No bylaw amendment was adopted; commissioners agreed to consider the matter at a future study session if there is City Commission interest and to have one commissioner (Commissioner Shay O’Brien volunteered) prepare bullet points for the commission packet to frame the discussion.
