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Planning Board defers Design Review Board quorum and schedule changes after broad discussion
Summary
The Planning Board deferred action on a City Commission ordinance that would reduce the Design Review Board from seven to five members, lower quorum from four to three, and increase meeting frequency. Members and DRB participants urged more study of quorum rules, alternates, and time limits for meetings.
The City of South Miami Planning Board on March 11 chose to defer a proposed ordinance to change the composition and procedures of the Design Review Board (DRB), after extended discussion about quorum, volunteer recruitment, and meeting length.
Staff presented an ordinance that would reduce the DRB membership from seven to five, set quorum at three, and increase meetings from monthly to twice monthly in an effort to reduce delays when the DRB lacks a quorum. DRB member Mariano Corral (joining by Zoom) and several planning board members questioned whether the change would fix attendance problems or create a permanent lower‑membership board that could be more easily controlled; concerns also included compliance with state statute that quorums must be a majority and whether alternates should be used instead.
Board members debated procedural fixes including codified time limits, published rules of procedure, and alternates. After discussion the Planning Board voted to defer the item so commissioners and staff can consider the comments and potential amendments before the Planning Board issues a final recommendation to the City Commission.
