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Planning commission elects new chair, hears training on hearings and ex‑parte rules
Summary
After electing Commissioner Eiler as chair and Commissioner Meade as vice chair, the Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission heard training on legislative vs. quasi‑judicial hearings, ex parte communications, appeals and how to craft motions and conditions.
The Idaho Falls Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 6 elected Commissioner Eiler as chair and Commissioner Meade as vice chair and then received procedural training on how hearings, testimony and motions should be handled.
After the chair announced plans to step down, commissioners nominated and voted on new officers. In a voice vote recorded by the chair, the commission approved Eiler as chair and Meade as vice chair.
Staff then led a training session that walked commissioners through the difference between legislative and quasi‑judicial hearings, noting that annexations and code changes are generally legislative while rezones, PUDs and plats are quasi‑judicial and require tighter limits on outside communications. Legal counsel and staff stressed that quasi‑judicial matters should be decided on evidence presented in the public hearing and advised commissioners to avoid ex parte contacts, to disclose any off‑record communications during a hearing and to send written comments or emails to staff so they are part of the record.
Presenters also reviewed the appeals process and timing. Staff explained that affected parties can file appeals (procedures and fees apply) and that appeals of commission decisions typically go to the city council; appeals of council decisions may proceed to district court. Commissioners were advised to place any substantive conditions they want enforced into the motion itself so the record clearly ties conditions to the application.
The training included practical guidance on managing public testimony, when to call for a peace officer for contentious items, and how to request staff follow‑up on technical issues when a motion is made. The meeting adjourned after staff noted a full February agenda and ongoing long‑range planning work.
The commission asked staff to publish guidance on how hearing types are labeled in the packet and to provide links to training materials for commissioners and the public.
