Council debates creating a permitting board to centralize permit records and oversight

A council member proposed forming a permanent permitting board of five to seven members with two‑year terms to streamline permitting, improve code enforcement and create a single point of contact for permit status and compliance. "My idea for the board was simply 5 to 7 members, with 2 year terms," the council member said, arguing that a board and dedicated oversight could reduce staff burden and create better project records.

Other council members and staff noted the city already uses permitting software (CommunityCore) and that a development inspector position is budgeted. Some members preferred a trained staff employee over a citizen panel, expressing concern that a volunteer board without technical expertise could pit neighbors against neighbors and generate disputes. The council asked staff to draft a written proposal and return with a recommended ordinance or staff‑position alternative for future consideration.