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Commission to agendize resolution to continue remote hearings after members raise COVID and ventilation concerns
Summary
Commissioners expressed hesitancy about returning to City Hall because of ventilation, masking and public access concerns; staff will agendize a resolution for the March 3 hearing to continue remote hearings while protocols are reviewed.
Several commissioners urged caution about returning Planning Commission hearings to in‑person sessions, citing ventilation, room layout and the risk to vulnerable commissioners and attendees. Commissioner Diamond described concerns that the current hearing room has "very poor ventilation" and asked whether the commission could require vaccination for the public, provide higher‑grade masks and limit capacity. Other commissioners echoed the need to set measurable mitigations before returning.
Staff said they had met with the mayor's liaison and the city administrator about City Hall improvements and would inspect Room 400 on March 1 to test new equipment and HVAC changes. The chair announced the commission will agendize adoption of a resolution at the March 3 hearing to continue remote hearings while staff and commissioners finalize safety measures.
The discussion focused on ensuring both public access and commissioner safety, and commissioners urged further conversation and clear protocols before resuming in‑person public attendance.
Next steps: The commission will consider a resolution on March 3 to continue remote hearings and review ventilation, masking and capacity protocols before returning to in‑person meetings.
