Executive committee recommends removing fixed 6 p.m. time and updating findings-of-fact deadlines to comply with Indiana law

The Cornwall Plan Commission executive committee voted Tuesday to recommend changes to its rules of procedure that would remove a fixed 6:00 p.m. start time and permit the commission, by majority, to set meeting times and locations. The committee also recommended edits to the rules to align findings-of-fact language and final-decision filing deadlines with changes in Indiana law.

Legal counsel explained that the prior blanket 45‑day deadline for filing a final decision is no longer universally applicable under state law and that timeframes can differ by petition type; counsel said staff had drafted template findings tailored to different petition categories to comply with the new requirements. Counsel also cautioned against adopting a 'blue card' comment period (a non‑hearing public comment slot) without clear procedural warnings because comments made outside an opened public hearing may not become part of the official record the courts review on appeal.

After a brief procedural exchange, Chair (unnamed) moved to recommend the proposed amendments, Adam seconded the motion, and the executive committee voted in favor with no opposition. The committee asked counsel and staff to circulate a revised draft so the full planning commission can consider the recommendation.

The recommendation removes strict time-and-location language from the rules, instead specifying that regular meeting times and locations will be set by majority vote of the commission; it also updates references to findings of fact and the applicable filing periods to reference the timing required by Indiana law rather than a single 45‑day rule.

The executive committee’s recommendation will go to the full planning commission for consideration on its regular agenda; the committee adjourned immediately after the vote.