Trustees table proposal to replace zoning committee with attorney-led reviews

Trustee Lawrence proposed changing how the village handles zoning matters so that the attorney, rather than a seven-member zoning committee, would review items and present recommendations directly to the board at regular meetings.

Lawrence argued that it can be difficult to get committee members to attend and that routing matters through an attorney could avoid double meetings and delays. Several residents on the floor questioned paying for attorney time; Louis Selzer asked why the village would pay an attorney when members currently serve without substantial compensation. Trustee Nelson said he supported exploring the idea but asked that the village attorney review the legal implications first. Nelson moved to table the proposal until the attorney can advise on legality and consistency with state requirements; Trustee Warren seconded. The board voted: Dees-yes, Warren-yes, Nelson-yes, Gibson-yes, Paso-yes and Lawrence abstained.

The motion to table preserves the current process until the attorney returns with guidance on whether the village may reduce committee size or transfer initial review to counsel.