Planning staff asks commission to schedule study session with council on inclusionary housing now that Housing Element is certified

Town Planner Britney Bendix asked the Planning Commission on May 28 to provide availability for a joint study session with the City Council to continue work on inclusionary housing now that the town's Housing Element has been certified.

"I sent you an email... trying to schedule a study session potential study session with the city council to resume our conversations on inclusionary housing policies in town now that we have the housing element certified," Britney said during the staff report. She noted the commission needs at least two members to attend and was seeking a third to ensure quorum for a joint meeting.

Commissioners discussed the mechanics of joint meetings and the flow of information between the city manager, councilmembers and commissioners. Several commissioners asked for better advance information because councilmembers sometimes receive weekly briefings from the city manager and staff that commissioners do not routinely see. Commissioner Tenelli said the commission sometimes goes into joint sessions "armed with a bunch of information we know nothing about," and asked staff to explore ways to provide relevant briefing material earlier while still complying with the Brown Act.

Planner Bendix said staff will coordinate with the city manager and council to find dates and will work to improve timely information flow so commissioners are prepared for joint study sessions.

No formal action was required; staff requested commissioners reply with availability for scheduling.