Council debates combining planning and zoning boards; staff to survey members and return with options

Council spent an extended portion of the meeting discussing potential consolidation of land-use and advisory boards into either a combined 'mega board' (covering planning, zoning and design) or narrower combinations (for example, merging Local Planning Agency and Zoning Board). Points included statutory constraints, board composition (architect and landscape expertise), workflow impacts, public-notice and hearing requirements, and timing relative to expiring member terms.

Staff explained that changing board structure requires changes to land development regulations and two public hearings; combining boards could be done quickly for staffing efficiency but would require careful attention to statutory standards and required professional representation on certain boards (for example, historic-preservation or tree-advisory roles). Several council members expressed differing views: some favored a combined board for efficiency and to increase board member engagement; others wanted a formal workshop and more public input before making structural changes. Mike Sheffield (City Attorney) and Derek (City Manager) advised staff outreach to current members and that reappointments could be used short-term to avoid gaps while consolidation is considered.

Council directed staff to reach out to existing members to ask if they would be interested in serving on a combined board, to advertise vacancies as appropriate, and to return with proposed ordinance language and a timeline (including required first and second readings) for council consideration. The council also authorized staff to proceed with appointments or reappointments as needed to ensure functioning boards into January while the consolidation process proceeds.