Bay City historic commission lacks quorum, meeting adjourned

Chair Ashley Meyer called the Bay City Historic District Commission to order at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday and immediately announced the panel did not have a quorum, saying, "We do not have a quorum today. It requires 4, and we're at 3." Meyer said members had tried to reach absent colleagues and waited 15 minutes before concluding formal business could not proceed.

Meyer told applicants and attendees that the commission staff would seek alternate dates the week after the meeting and aim to schedule hearings as soon as a quorum could be assembled. "We're basically trying to find a date that we know that all 4 of us can be here," she said, adding the next regular meeting is Jan. 14. Meyer acknowledged December scheduling was difficult for applicants and contractors and apologized for the inconvenience.

She said the commission can review projects without an applicant present if all required materials are on file and "Terry can answer those questions," but cautioned that missing information can complicate review. An unidentified speaker added the commission would contact applicants by phone and email once a new date was set.

With no business to conduct, Meyer asked for a motion to adjourn. A motion was made and supported; the chair called for the vote and members voiced their approval. The meeting was then adjourned. In closing, a member remarked, "We miss you, Tony," referencing an absent colleague.

The commission did not take any formal votes on land-use or preservation items. Staff will notify applicants about rescheduled hearing dates and applicants were advised to have either themselves or a representative available to answer questions to avoid further delays.