Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Recruitment And Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Linn County planning commission seeks members, weighs remote participation and outreach options
Summary
Commissioners discussed multiple vacancies, recruitment challenges and limits on remote participation tied to the county's AV setup; staff said the Board of Supervisors controls technology upgrades and one phone call‑in is currently feasible.
Commissioners on the Linn County Planning and Zoning Commission used the April 21 meeting’s other‑business time to discuss persistent vacancies on the commission and on the Board of Adjustment and explored outreach and remote‑participation options to attract applicants.
Planning and Development Division Manager Stephanie Linz said the commission currently faces two to three openings and has struggled to find candidates who live in the unincorporated county. “We are kind of struggling right now to find people,” Linz said, adding that some recent applicants lived inside city limits and therefore did not meet county residency requirements for the commission.
Commission members suggested outreach channels including United Way, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, LinkedIn and social media posts, and discussed whether postcards to county addresses could be used. Linz said the communications department is handling social posts but that broader mailings would have to come from the county and could require budget authority.
The commissioners also discussed remote participation: Linz said current technology limits the county to accommodating one person calling in and that the Board of Supervisors controls any AV upgrades. “We can accommodate 1 person on the phone to call in,” Linz said, and staff are exploring equipment changes that could allow clearer audio and multiple virtual participants.
There was no formal action—commissioners asked staff to continue outreach and to report back on potential technology solutions and recruitment progress at future meetings.
