03-14-2011 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING Monday, March 14, 2011 • 7:00 o'clock p.m. (7. PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR APPOINTMENTS, Continued) Curtis indicated that is the plan of Staff. McMillan commented an experienced alternate is also a good asset to the City and that it may be difficult for a brand -new alternate to get to know the City's ordinances and policies by only filling in periodically. Bremer stated it could be difficult for someone new to fill in periodically but pointed out the reality of the situation is that the Planning Commission tends to have openings fairly regularly. Bremer stated she would personally recommend that Denise Leskinen be considered for one of those two positions since she has a fair amount of experience in the planning and zoning area. Bremer stated it was her understanding that in the past the Planning Commission made a recommendation to the City Council on who the chair should be. Gaffron stated to his understanding Staff has spoken with the commissioners beforehand and had a pretty good idea of who was interested in the positions. Bremer commented that brand -new alternates would probably not be comfortable in the role of chair or vice chair, and asked whether Staff would recommend anyone in particular. Curtis indicated Staff has not developed a list at this point. • McMillan noted that Loren Schoenzeit has great attendance and that in her opinion Loren would be a good candidate for chair. Rahn indicated it is difficult to make a decision without talking to the person but that he would recommend Loren Schoenzeit for chair and Denise Leskinen for vice chair. Gaffron noted Loren Schoenzeit is probably the most senior member of the Planning Commission, followed by Jon Schwingler. Printup moved, McMillan seconded, to appoint Loren Schoenzeit as chair and Jon Schwingler as vice chair with no rotation between the two positions. McMillan asked what Printup was envisioning with the no rotation. Printup indicated he would like to leave it status quo and not have the chair and vice chair rotate. McMillan stated one alternative would be to table this item until Staff has a chance to speak with the commissioners. Bremer commented she would like to hear from each of the Planning Commissioners to find out whether they are interested. Bremer indicated she does not feel strongly about the rotation but that in her view it would give the vice chair the opportunity to gain some experience in that position. Printup indicated he would withdraw his motion to allow Staff time to speak with the commissioners. • Bremer moved, Rahn seconded, to table Item No. 7 and to direct Staff to speak with each Planning Commissioner to see whether they would be interested in either position. VOTE: Ayes 4, Nays 0. Page 7 of 22