Commission discusses moratorium on large developments; ad hoc team named to help draft rules

The commission held an extended discussion about how to handle regulation of large-scale developments after the city council signaled it wanted to take a direct role in drafting definitions and ordinances. A staff member told the commission that the council had asked the topic be placed on its agenda and that, at the attorney’s request, the item had been left broad to allow legal input.

"…a discussion item for, discussing a moratorium on large scale developments," the staff member said when announcing the council request. The staff member said much of the work will fall to staff and the city attorney, but invited commissioners to sit in on the drafting team so the commission’s perspectives would be represented. Chair solicited volunteers; commissioners Marcus, Henderson and Adair were named in the discussion as willing to participate. The staff member emphasized the intention was to move the topic forward and not let it "languish," and recommended assembling draft language before returning it to the full commission and council for review.

Commissioners discussed whether the city council or the commission should take the lead on initial drafting, the need to involve legal counsel, and concerns about ensuring gender diversity on any small working team. Staff said they would coordinate with the attorney and the council and bring draft materials back for the commission to review.