Johnston council tables decision on remanding Board of Adjustment ruling, schedules special meeting

The Johnston City Council voted to table consideration of Resolution 25-40, which would determine whether to remand Board of Adjustment case No. 24-8 back to that board for further study.

The item, moved from the consent agenda to non-consent, drew attorney argument and supporters from the applicant, identified in the meeting record as Eterna New Church. Mason Burkhart, attorney for the church, told the council that "delaying... the city would not have the right to remand this back" and urged careful legal review. Council members said they wanted more information before acting and discussed scheduling a special meeting prior to the 30-day statutory window after the board decision (noted as approximately Feb. 16).

Councilmember discussion emphasized information-gathering and due process. One councilmember said staff and legal counsel had provided additional feedback and recommended tabling while questions were clarified. The mayor said staff would notify interested parties and the public about the special meeting as soon as a date is set.

The motion to table carried on a roll-call vote. The mayor and council asked staff to assemble information, and representatives of the church and its supporters were told they would be given notice of the special meeting date.

Actions taken at the meeting were procedural: council removed the item from the consent agenda, discussed the remand authority and appeal routes, and formally tabled Resolution 25-40 to a special session for further consideration. No remand or appeal was decided at the meeting.