Planning Commission continues Item 7A to Oct. 15 after recusals leave no quorum

Because multiple commissioners disclosed conflicts of interest tied to proximity to the subject property, the San Bruno Planning Commission agreed to continue agenda item 7A to its October 15, 2024 meeting after determining there would not be a lawful quorum to take action at this session.

Commissioners and staff explained that two commissioners live within the 1,000-foot notification boundary for the project and therefore recused themselves; that left only three commissioners eligible to participate, which the group said would be insufficient for a legally valid vote. “If the two Commissioners who are within a thousand feet are recused then there’s only three Commissioners left so … we won’t have a quorum,” a commissioner said during the discussion.

Participants said they had consulted or attempted to consult the City Attorney’s Office and that, given the legal risk to commissioners’ status and the absence of clear authority to proceed, continuing the hearing was the safer course. One speaker noted that continuing the matter requires an affirmative motion and a second; commissioners confirmed a motion and second were made and the item was continued.

The commission directed staff to return item 7A on the agenda for the regular meeting on October 15, 2024. The transcript does not record a roll-call vote with names or a numerical tally on the continuance; commissioners indicated the motion was made, seconded and approved to continue.

The commission adjourned and staff announced the next regular meeting for October 15, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.