Charter panel votes to keep Planning & Zoning Commission appointed

The New Canaan Charter Revision Commission voted 6–5 on March 25 to recommend that the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission remain an appointed body, rejecting a shift to elected membership after extended debate about public input and process.

Chair Kathleen opened the discussion by reminding commissioners that the charter revision process typically produces a draft for the town council and public reaction. Commissioner Russ Kimes moved that the P&Z commission remain appointed; Chris Lee seconded the motion and the commission proceeded to a roll‑call vote.

Proponents of retaining appointment argued the commission must be able to complete its draft recommendations so the public can react with specifics at the scheduled hearings. "We work together on a draft. Some things require votes, especially when there's differences," Kathleen said during debate, urging the commission to move the process forward.

Opponents said more public input should guide a decision. Commissioner Bill Peret had earlier moved to delay any votes until after a postcard survey and an April 14 public hearing, arguing that voting before the public comment period would "violate public trust." That postponement motion failed in an earlier roll call.

Legal counsel and meeting participants raised procedural questions before the P&Z vote about whether alternates are included in the commission count and how prior, unfinished motions from the previous meeting should be sequenced. Attorney/commentator Ira advised the panel on the statutory framework for submitting recommendations to the town council and the limits on the commission’s authority, saying the panel must choose to recommend either elected or appointed status to move the process along.

The commission completed a roll call on the Kimes motion: six members voted in favor and five opposed. With that result, the commission will include a recommendation that Planning & Zoning remain an appointed body in its draft report to the town council.

Next procedural steps include incorporating the vote outcome into the draft report and continuing review of other charter sections at upcoming meetings.