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After a contentious public hearing, Roy commissioners ask for training on process and public decorum; staff introduces new hire
Summary
Commissioners reviewed recent council denials, discussed managing disruptive public comment during hearings and requested training to clarify legislative vs administrative roles; staff introduced a new planning staff member, Colton, and reported project updates.
Following a recent contentious public hearing, Roy City Planning Commissioners on May 26 discussed options for managing public‑comment decorum, clarified their legislative versus administrative responsibilities, and asked staff for a refresher training for commissioners. The commission also welcomed a new staff member, Colton, who introduced himself and described his background.
Commissioners reviewed outcomes reported from the city council — the development agreement tied to a 43‑unit proposal was denied 3–2 and a related rezone was denied 5–0 — and said applicants may return with revised proposals. Several commissioners described the previous hearing as loud and distracting and asked what tools the commission has to preserve order without infringing on the public’s right to be heard. "We had public when we were trying to have our discussion and the panel being very persistent...what do we do short of bringing the police?" one commissioner asked. The chair and staff said the commission’s rules permit removing interrupting individuals, and staff agreed to coordinate with the police chief about enforcement options and training for moderators.
Several commissioners recommended a short procedural training ahead of the next public hearing to remind members about legislative versus administrative items and to discuss ways to enforce speaking‑time limits (for example, shortening the speaker timer or providing an audible warning). Staff said a training session is already in development and will be scheduled.
Staff also introduced Colton, a new hire, who spoke briefly about his education and background. Staff provided brief project updates, including permit progress for the Agora Heights project.
No formal policy change was adopted; the commission asked staff to schedule a training and to research options for maintaining decorum while protecting public participation.
