Hooper City Council appoints three to planning commission and votes to expand body to seven

The Hooper City Council on a motion approved three appointments to the city's planning commission and voted to change the city code to increase the commission from five to seven members.

The council confirmed Jason McCormick, James Larson and Steve Wald to the planning commission after interviews with each applicant. Council member Hill made the motion to approve "the three planning commission members as recommended by Maria Lehman," and to request a change to the city code to expand the body; Council member North Frett seconded. The motion carried on a recorded statement of "3 in favor, 2 opposed." The council said it will appoint two additional members at a future meeting after legal staff prepare the ordinance change and the council sets terms for all seats.

Why it matters: The planning commission reviews land-use proposals and, under the revisions discussed at the meeting, will in some cases act as the final decision-making body for certain 1- and 2-family subdivision applications. That change shifts some review authority away from council hearings and increases the importance of planning commission membership and procedures.

Applicants summarized their reasons for seeking the volunteer posts. Jason McCormick said he wants "to help the city grow in a way that will be able to put less tax burden on the individual residents," and described an intent to apply the code consistently and objectively. James Larson said he wants to "be involved in the planning process" rather than only criticizing outcomes. Steve Wald described construction and architectural experience and said he would apply that background to interpreting specifications and ordinances.

Council members questioned applicants about knowledge of the general plan, potential conflicts of interest and availability. Several applicants said they were not experts on the general plan but were willing to study and apply the plan and current code. One applicant acknowledged owning businesses that could, in theory, sell goods or services in the city but said he would follow conflict-of-interest requirements and recuse himself if appropriate.

The council also directed legal staff to draft the ordinance language changing the planning commission from five to seven members and to return with terms for each seat. Council members acknowledged that three existing commissioners' terms had expired as of Dec. 31 and that legal and administrative steps are needed to reestablish membership under the amended code.

Votes at a glance: The motion to appoint McCormick, Larson and Wald and to request an ordinance to expand the planning commission carried on a motion by Council member Hill, seconded by Council member North Frett; the council reported a tally of 3 yes, 2 no.

Council members and applicants asked staff for orientation materials and legal guidance; the mayor said the city will provide a booklet to new commissioners and follow up with legal staff before the next meeting.