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Commission debates tightening bylaws on ex parte contacts and public-comment limits
Summary
The commission worked through proposed bylaw edits on ex parte communications, predetermination and public-comment rules. Members recommended clarifying 'interested parties' in the ex parte definition and allowing the chair discretion on spoken-comment time while removing a strict 400-word limit for submitted written comments.
Commissioners reviewed draft bylaw language intended to clarify ex parte communications and predetermination, with one member urging a narrower definition of "interested party" that lists applicants, representatives, investors or other parties with a financial interest. One commissioner proposed getting rid of duplicate definitions and requiring disclosure of unsolicited contacts in a public meeting.
Members also debated public-comment mechanics: whether written comments should be limited to 400 words and whether spoken comments should be strictly three minutes. Several commissioners said written submissions should not be so tightly limited and that the chair should be able to extend spoken time in low-attendance meetings; staff said the 400-word language could be removed from the draft and that long technical submissions should be submitted in advance as discussion items.
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