Commission tables proposed bylaws changes over appointment, training and attendance language

The Moab City Planning Commission on May 14 reviewed proposed redline amendments to its bylaws that would add procedures for removal from service, clarify how vacancies are filled and update annual training requirements. Staff presented multiple edits including a new section allowing the mayor or the mayor’s designee to remove a planning commissioner and language describing a mayoral appointment process.

Commissioners raised concerns about wording and statutory alignment. Multiple members noted that the mayor typically forwards a recommendation for appointment to the city council rather than a standalone council selection. As one staff member put it while explaining alternatives, "the mayor will select a applicant, and it's singular," framing an option to describe the action as a mayoral selection confirmed by council. Commissioners also questioned training timing: under new statutory language, a one‑hour annual training appears required before participation and other hours may be completed during the calendar year.

Because the redline contained inconsistent or unclear phrasing — notably around whether removal for attendance should read "may" or "shall" and the timing of required training — a commissioner moved to table the bylaws amendment until the next meeting to allow staff to clean up language and confirm statutory references. The motion to table passed 4‑0. Staff indicated they will confirm the correct statutory citation (section 102302 as cited for 2025) and return a clarified draft for a future vote.

Next steps: staff will revise the redline to clarify mayoral appointment language, the training requirement timing and whether removal for attendance should be discretionary, then circulate a Word doc version for commissioner comments ahead of the next meeting.