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Erie planning commission updates SALDO schedule, approves prior minutes and debates pre‑meeting caucus
Summary
The commission reviewed the schedule for a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) amendment and public comment, approved the June 17 minutes, discussed vacancy and annual report timing, and debated holding pre‑meeting caucuses while complying with the Sunshine Act.
At its July 15, 2025 meeting, the City of Erie Planning Commission received an update on the Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (referred to in materials and discussion as "SALDO") amendment schedule, approved the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes, and debated whether to hold regular pre‑meeting working sessions to prepare for monthly meetings.
Assistant Planner Cooper Moore and other staff said the SALDO amendment is in a 30‑day public comment period that staff described as running through Aug. 6, after which the planning commission will revisit the final draft and the city council public hearing and readings could follow a schedule staff prefaced as tentative: a public hearing at the Aug. 20 city council meeting, first reading Sept. 3 and second reading/final adoption Sept. 17 (dates provided by staff were characterized as an internal schedule and subject to change). Cooper Moore and staff also said they made edits based on input from City Solicitor Jason Chek and that a workflow diagram will be finalized for adoption with the amendment.
On routine business, the commission voted to approve the June 17, 2025 meeting minutes. The motion and second were made during the meeting; no mover or seconder name was recorded in the public transcript. The commission chair called for the ayes and the motion passed with ayes recorded and no opposing votes announced.
Commissioners discussed a proposed practice of holding a short public special meeting or caucus immediately before regular monthly meetings so members could have a structured discussion and preparation time. Commissioners said the intent is to allow candid discussion of agenda items and to prepare questions before the public meeting. Director Jackie Spry and staff reminded the commission that a special meeting still must be noticed and would be subject to the open‑meetings (Sunshine Act) requirements if a majority participates. Staff and commissioners discussed a practical approach used by city council: begin a short pre‑meeting discussion at the posted start time and then proceed to the regular meeting at the scheduled hour so the public notice already covers the date, and ensure agendas and notices comply with Sunshine Act procedures.
Other administrative items: staff said an annual report draft is expected in August and that a vacancy on the planning commission exists; staff said an application/posting for the vacancy had not yet been posted but would be posted in the future. Planning staff also described an active community engagement calendar tied to the city's comprehensive parks and open space plan and asked commissioners to help staff with tabling and outreach if they are available.
No formal policy changes or hearings occurred on July 15 beyond the minutes approval; the SALDO timeline and the caucus/meeting scheduling discussion were framed as preparatory steps and not final actions. Staff asked the commission to coordinate with department staff about any special‑meeting scheduling so public notice and agendas comply with legal posting requirements.
