South Weber Planning Commission elects new chair, reviews bylaws and hears resident concerns on maintenance and school-zone safety

At its Feb. 13 meeting the South Weber City Planning Commission elected new leadership, discussed bylaws and upcoming training, and heard multiple public comments about local maintenance and safety concerns.

Commissioners voted to appoint Shad Skola as chair and Gary Boatright as co-chair for the coming term. After the vote the chair role transitioned to Skola for the remainder of the meeting. Commissioners reviewed Chapter 3 of the municipal code governing the planning commission’s duties, membership and expectations for code-committee participation. Staff highlighted a statewide planning association conference in May and noted commissioners may be eligible for reimbursement for training.

Commissioners emphasized the difference between public outcry and evidence, reminding members that decisions must be based on submitted materials and code standards rather than volume of comment. They discussed whether the chair and co-chair’s attendance at a monthly code committee should be enshrined in bylaws or remain a standing expectation; no bylaw changes were adopted at the meeting.

During general public comment residents praised some private property snow-clearing but noted at least one storage-unit property did not clear a sidewalk after a storm. Other commenters raised concerns about construction staging areas near Highway 89 becoming muddy and littered with debris and asked whether construction traffic was using neighborhood streets it should avoid. One commenter asked the commission to consider moving a school-zone flashing light further west on Lester Drive to improve safety for students; commissioners noted that relocation or extension of school-zone signage likely requires referral to city public works or the responsible traffic authority.

A motion to adjourn was moved and seconded; the meeting ended shortly thereafter.