Larsen said the proposed changes to the city's Comprehensive Plan would streamline land use procedures, be more in line with state law, put in place processes that are better defined, and put all land use procedures under one section, Title 19, of the Comprehensive Plan.
And, a Hearing Examiner would be the person who would decide on many land use issues, rather than the Planning Commission and the City Council.
But, Vernon Lauridsen pointed out that the proposed changes would make a significant change. Under the proposed rules, "Proposals are allowed unless opposed," said Lauridsen, speaking as a citizen. He said, "Currently, the onus is on the applicant to show the proposal fits."
Others, like Gene Derig, suggested the more formal Hearing Examiner route would end up costing citizen groups more money to challenge an application because they may need to hire an attorney to prove a project doesn't fit.
Derig also said, "This gives way too much power to one person." Something echoed by Watermark Books owner Patti Pattee, who said, "One person's views could control how rulings are made." She liked that the City Council and Planning Commission are made up of local citizens. "I'm not sure its a good thing for the City Council and Planning Commission to avoid responsibility for decision making."
Bunnie Heiner said, "The current situation, using City Council and Planning Commission, is a far better way to handle development. I prefer we have elected people making decisions."
Susan Rooks said, "The axiom says 'Two heads are better than one." Having committees, such as the Planning Commission, made up of several individuals, "will be harder to sway than one person."
Representing Evergreen Islands, Tom Glade said, "A fine Howdy Do. You're being asked to hand over a considerable part of your power to the city's Planning Director and Hearing Examiner."
Hal Rooks summed up, "If it isn't broken, why tinker with it or try a fix that may well make the situation worse?" He said he believes the Planning Commission and City Council have served this community well.
Larsen outlined several future Planning Commission sessions:
- Nov. 3, 4pm, workshop on proposed Comprehensive Plan amendments
- Nov. 10, Continuation of public hearing
- Nov. 17, Potential continuation of public hearing and deliberation
- Dec. 8, Planning Commission deliberations and potential decision-making
- Dec. 15, Potential continuation of Planning Commission deliberations
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