Staff proposes dissolving architectural review board and hiring consulting architect to reduce volunteer workload

City planning staff told the commission they plan to reduce the number of volunteer meetings and to retain a consulting architect to perform initial reviews, a change that could include dissolving the existing Architectural Review Board.

Staff described a three‑tier approach: Tier 1 would remain statutory bodies the city must maintain; Tier 3 would be narrow, single‑purpose groups that dissolve once their mission is complete; Tier 2 would include advisory groups managed through council and committee channels. The goal, staff said, is to reduce evening meeting burdens on volunteers and staff.

"We're going to do an RFQ and send that out," a staff member said, describing plans to put an architect or architectural firm on retainer so the city planning department handles initial compliance checks and a consulting architect performs a review before matters proceed to the planning and zoning commission. After the commission acts, files would go to the city council as required.

Commissioners raised concerns about finding qualified local architects willing to serve on volunteer boards and noted ordinance requirements for architect seats on the review panel. Staff said the change is intended to save meetings, not to reflect poor performance by current volunteers. The staff member asked commissioners to remain available through the summer as the city refines the RFQ and process.

No formal policy change or vote occurred at the meeting; staff will develop the RFQ and return with a recommended process for the commission and council to consider.