HomeMy WebLinkAboutPC_Minutes_1971_01_25SUMMARY OF JOINT MEETING OF BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENTS AND PLANNING COMMISSION January 2S, 1971 7:50 P.M. Council Chambers, City Hall Present: Mr. Robert Crawford, City Planner. Planning Commissioners -Joe Noble, J. Mike Foote, Laird Stabler, Charles Toole, Pete Watters Bud M. Trott, Building Director and Acting City Manager. Board of Zoning Commissioners -Dick Williams, L. E. Osterman Mr. Crawford, opened the informal meeting and explained to the members present that this workshop meeting was an attempt to establish better communication between the two groups. He commented that one of the reasons for the meeting was the concern over granting variances which were not adequately justified, He added that during the time the Planning Commission was handling variances, they had granted a number of variances which he believed were not legal. This evening he had noticed the Board of Zoning Adjustments was doing the same thing. He explained the four findings in fact which are the only val id reasons for granting a variance under our present Zoning Ordinance, and that these reasons should be, but are not always given attention whenever a request for variance is heard. There was some discussion among those present with respect to the conditional use permits now being heard by the Planning Commission and the possibility of the Board of Zoning Adjustments handling these in the future. The possible increase of use of conditional use procedure was also discussed. Mr. Trott advised that the Board of Zoning Adjustments consisted of a three man board, and one alternate. When one of the members was absent, it was necessary to call upon the alternate, the Chairman of the Planning Commission -Mr. Joe Noble, to attend the meeting and thus create a quorum. Mr. Trott added that this might not always be possible for Mr. Noble, and he suggested that other Commissioners be appointed. Various ways of establishing an orderly method of doing this were proposed by the members of both groups. Mr. Trott pointed out that no matter what decision was reached, it would be necessary for the City Attorney to rule on the matter and an ordinance adopted to change the rules and regulations accordingly. Mr. Watters suggested that the Planning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustments rotate their members periodically, and that this would give everyone an opportunity to develop a better understanding. Commissioner Noble felt that a five man Board of Zoning Adjustments might be more feas:ble. He also suggested that tA§yPlanning Commission hold only one meeting a month and that in the case of an emergency, they could also hear variances. Mr. Crawford said that this might not be practical and that public hearings which must be continued, could not be adequately heard under that particular method. Comm. Stabler believed that there was a lack of communication between the Commissions and the City Council, and that more contact with the Council was necessary in order that the Council know what the Commissions were accomplishing and also, that the Commis~ions be made better aware of what the City Council expected from them.
Meeting P.C. and BZA Jan. 25, 1971 cont: Page 2 Mr. Crawford asked the Board of Zoning Adjustment members how much time their meeting usually consumed, Mr. WilTiams replied that normally, meetings lasted no longer than an hour. The conversation then proceeded to the subject of meeting dates and the possibility of changing the nights on which meetings were presently held, to the second and fourth Monday of each month for the Planning Commission and the first and third Monday for the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Updating the General Plan was discussed. Mr. Trott clarified the intent of the Council with respect to the services of a Planning Firm, (Mr. Abraam Krushkov of Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall had been suggested). Some of those present believed that the Citizen1s Comrnitt~ recently organized, would be working with such Planning Firm. Mr. Trott said that the main goals of the City would be to establish a housing element and open space requirement according to State Law, and to upgrade the General Plan. Mr. Trott further stated that the Planning Commission would be involved in this enterprise and whatever changes might be effec~ed would be the result of their efforts as well as those of the Planning Consultant. It was suggested by Mr. Toole that the City consider other planning firms, before a final decision was made. Mr. Trott and Mr. Crawford explained that the first step, with the assistance of Mr. Krushkov (as directed by the Council), would be to secure funds from the Federal government. The amount of money which the Federal government would be asked to grant to the City, under the Urban Planning Assistance Program, would be approximately $30,000, with $20,000 from HUD, $5000 to be furnished by the City, and another $5000 furnished through the services of the City Staff, mostly those of City Planner Crawford. The City, Mr. Trott added, had the right to withdraw their application for 701 funds at any time and no filing fee was required. Once again the individual members spoke about the communication problems which they felt existed, and it was generally agreed that if meeting with the City Council and Planning Commission (or other Boards if they felt such need) were planned, then a planned agenda should be presented. The agenda it was believed, would prevent the possibility of rambling discussion which might lead to no conclusions. It was decided that the following matters be expedited: l. Letter be forwarded to the City Council requesting five member Board of Adjustments be established rather than three man Board now in existence. 2. Meeting dates of Planning Commission and Soard of Zoning Adjustments be changed to: a. Planning Commission to meet second and fourth Monday of each month. b. Board of Zoning Adjustments to meet first and 3rd Monday of each month. This to take effect in the month of March 1971. Rules and regulations to be changed accordingly. 3. That the Board of Zoning Adjustments and the Planning Commission attempt to meet more often during the coming year. 4. That the Planning Commission arrange a meeting with the City Council and prepare an agenda for that particular meeting or any other meetings in the future. Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.