Gilbert council studies adding an alternate to Redevelopment Commission

At a study session, the Gilbert Town Council heard a staff presentation on a proposed Land Development Code text amendment, Z25-01, that would add one alternate member to the town’s five-member Redevelopment Commission to preserve quorums when commissioners are absent or must recuse themselves.

Principal planner Veronica Gonzales told the council the amendment would add a single alternate who would serve one-year terms and “fulfill all the duties of a regular member in the case of their absence or recusal.” Gonzales said the change is intended to reduce the number of continuances when the commission lacks a quorum.

The amendment’s draft history, as summarized by staff: a citizen review meeting on Feb. 5; a Feb. 19 Redevelopment Commission meeting that recommended approval to the Planning Commission; and a March 5 Planning Commission recommendation to the Town Council. Gonzales said staff will bring the ordinance to the council’s regular meeting on April 22 for formal action.

Council members asked technical and policy questions during the discussion. Councilmember Chuck Bongiovanni asked whether the council should examine appointment choices after multiple recusals, saying, “Shouldn't we take a look at maybe who we're putting on the commission so that doesn't happen?” Gonzales confirmed there have been recent instances when recusals and absences left the commission without a quorum and required continuances.

Vice Mayor Bobby Buckley asked whether the amendment could allow two alternates instead of one. A staff member identified in the transcript as Chris replied that nothing in the town’s rules would prohibit appointing two alternates, but cautioned that on a five-member board two alternates might attend meetings and seldom have work to do. Gonzales noted the Planning Commission is a seven-member body with two alternates—an arrangement the council could consider but was not proposing for the Redevelopment Commission at this time.

Councilmember Torgerson and others emphasized starting with one alternate and revisiting the question if needed. No formal vote was taken during the study session; Gonzales repeated that the item will return to the full council agenda on April 22 for action.

The study session concluded with a procedural motion to adjourn and a stated plan to reconvene in executive session.