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Mill Creek outlines planning commission duties and appoints four new commissioners
Summary
Council received a briefing on planning commission responsibilities and upcoming projects, then appointed four members to fill vacancies and one unexpired term; staff emphasized the commission—s role in comprehensive plan amendments, code updates and the South Town Center master plan.
The Mill Creek City Council on June 3 received a staff briefing on the planning commission—s functions and upcoming work, and subsequently appointed four new planning commissioners to fill vacancies.
Planning staff explained the commission—s primary duties: advising council on land‑use policy, evaluating comprehensive plan and development code amendments, conducting hearings, and gathering public comment. Staff said the city—s comprehensive plan is required by the state Growth Management Act and must be updated every 10 years, with an annual amendment window for targeted changes.
Key upcoming projects for the commission include a South Town Center master plan intended to concentrate mixed‑use development in an existing center, a critical areas update (title 18) to align regulations with best available science, an annual code update this fall, and updates to parks and sign regulations. Staff said the planning commission can also initiate code amendments and hold additional hearings as needed.
After the briefing, the council appointed four people to the planning commission. Councilmember Paddock moved a slate of appointments: reappoint Jose Barunda to a three‑year term ending May 31, 2028; appoint Mercedes Hutton and Gabriel Oh to three‑year terms ending May 31, 2028; and appoint Gregory Neff to complete the unexpired term of Matthew Geiger through May 31, 2026. The motion passed unanimously.
Why it matters: Staff said the commission will play a leading role on the South Town Center master plan and multiple code updates that shape where and how the city grows. Councilmembers and staff stressed the need for continuity and community input as the commission takes on several substantial initiatives.
