NEWS: Due to the predicted traffic congestion, tonight's meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission is canceled.
EDITORIAL COMMENT: One has to think that a "planning" commission might have "planned" for a traffic issue and scheduled the meeting for another night considering four public hearings were on the agenda.
Then again, this is the commission which has not been able to elect a chairperson for nine months.
zing!
ReplyDeleteI received no reason for the cancellation of the P&Z meeting. I received a call stating the 8/12 meeting was cancelled, period. I assumed the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of a quorum.
ReplyDeleteThough the circumstance of this particular cancellation is not yet confirmed, I do believe that when an event is held on Main Street no city meetings should be conducted. When the car show was held I did call the Planning Office to inquire about the parking situation and was assured that parking for the meeting would be adequate. I also inquired if the meeting had been cancelled the year prior and was told the meeting had not been cancelled.
A calendar of events should be part of the meeting planning process. I take responsibility for not planning ahead and suggesting the meeting be re-scheduled. Now that this matter has come to the forefront, I will add a section to be put into the By-Laws to address this situation. Furthermore, even when there is no quorum the meeting should still take place as strongly advised in a training session for all the commissioners in the City.
I am sure I speak for the entire commission that to properly, effectively and efficiently conduct the business of the city is our highest priority. I apologize for any inconvenience to the public.
And as to the point about not yet electing a Chairperson, it is true the commission has struggled with this matter with neither candidate receiving the required 5 affirmative votes. However, the election of a Chair is an other matter, unfortunately based on political points of view and the entrenchment of "leadership". In November there will be a Chairman elected because the By-Laws are in the process of being changed and will specifically require a Chair to be elected. Perhaps if the By-Laws were reviewed as I suggested nearly one year ago, a Chairman would be elected as well as other administrative matters addressed.
The Commission is working together to rectify areas of concern and we appreciate hearing the concerns of the residents, and reporters, from the City. Thank you for keeping an "Eye" on the business of the City.
I will report what I learn about the reason(s) for the cancellation of the P&Z meeting.
Deborah Kleckowski
Planning and Zoning Commissioner
I spoke with Richard Pellitier, vice-chair, this morning about the cancellation of the P&Z meeting. Rich confirmed that upon a conversation with the Planning office, it was determined that due to the anticipated number of spectators expected to attend Motorcylce Mania, it was in the best interest of the public to cancel the meeting. Rich reported that the parking situation was expected to be at its maximum and that meeting attendees would have a difficult time finding parking.
ReplyDeleteHe,too, is acutely aware that the P&Z should have better planned under these circumstances. He extends his apology for any inconvenience.
Respectfully Submitted,
Deborah Kleckowski
Planning and Zoning Commissioner