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Council moves fence-approval duty to planning commission; schedules fee-schedule work and check-register review
Summary
Council agreed to amend subdivision procedures so the planning commission, rather than the City Council, approves subdivision fence plans, and directed staff to draft the ordinance change; the council also asked staff to present a clarified fee schedule and check-register backup for development-related expenses.
Council members discussed administrative changes to subdivision approvals and municipal fee practices. Members said the city's ordinance currently requires council approval of subdivision fences even though the planning commission approves subdivisions, creating an unnecessary extra step.
Staff and council agreed the proper fix is an ordinance amendment shifting fence approval to the planning commission so the commission's technical review and a required letter can precede a final planning action. Staff said the technical-review letter is currently handled at the planning level and can be captured in planning procedures or policy rather than the ordinance if council prefers.
Council also discussed financial transparency and fee recovery for development review. Members asked for the check register to be provided each meeting for review (with the caveat that some payments will be processed between meetings) and for clearer invoice descriptions tying costs to development projects so the council can confirm developers are reimbursing application and inspection costs. Staff said development fees and escrows are collected from applicants and that a separate fee-schedule review is needed.
Council directed staff to schedule a dedicated fee-schedule meeting (staff suggested July 17) to examine fees for subdivision review and inspections and to ensure the city is collecting development-related costs. Members emphasized they want written backup showing that invoice items tied to subdivisions are offset by developer payments before the city pays them.
