Planning commission promotes alternate to full member, converts another member to alternate

The Englewood City Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously April 7 to promote Amy (Mrs. Ario) from an alternate seat to a full commission member and to convert Steven Rutle’s seat to an alternate.

A commissioner moved “to promote Mrs. to a full commission member and to convert Steven Rutles position to the alternate,” and another commissioner seconded the motion. Commissioners who were present — Mr. Hagerty, Miss Austin, Mr. Adams, Miss Hubka, Mr. Renson, Mr. Kaplan and Chair Martinez — each recorded a yes vote, and the motion passed.

During discussion, commissioners asked whether the commission had authority to change membership status without referring the matter to City Council. A staff legal advisor and other commissioners said the council had recently amended policy to permit the promotion of alternates to full seats when the commission agrees; the commission relied on that interpretation when it voted.

The item followed a request that arose after an alternate (Amy) had been attending and contributing in person while Steven had been participating remotely for work; the mover said Steven had agreed to move into an alternate role to address attendance concerns.

The commission did not take other actions related to membership; the vote documented the internal reclassification only. The commission adjourned after the vote.