Minutes 05-12-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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public hearing." He said it is important that the public know what admissible testimony in a quasi-judicial hearing is. John Roberts said there are occasions where the public does not understand what admissible evidence is. He said it may be helpful to send in advance the definition of what a quasi-judicial hearing is. Craig Benedict said a brochure has been created, with the Attorney's office, which explains the differences between legislative and quasi-judicial hearings. He said it also explains the process of a quasi-judicial hearing. Commissioner Jacobs said it would be nice to put an explanation of the difference between the Board of Adjustment and the Planning Board on the website. Chair McKee said a brochure will likely not be enough to educate the public on this issue and process. Commissioner Price said she is reticent to remove the Planning Board as an official Board at the Public Hearings. She said the BOCC and the Planning Board may not always agree, but having both present helps to flush out the issue. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with her, and that is why he would want to re-visit this in a year. He said the fact the Planning Board voted to take themselves out of the process, as part of the Public Hearings, reflects their aforementioned passivity. Perdita Holtz said the Planning Board recommended this option IF the Board of County Commissioners wanted to change the current Public Hearing process. Commissioner Rich said all the more reason to include the recommendation to evaluate the new process after a year. She said it would send the message to the Planning Board that the decision is not irreversible, and their input on the changes would be welcomed. John Roberts said if the BOCC felt that the Planning Board was not engaged, the BOCC could designate more responsibility to the Planning Board, in order to get them more involved. Commissioner Jacobs said to also make it a requirement for the Chair or Vice Chair of the Planning Board to attend the public hearings and the Board of County Commissioners meetings. Perdita Holtz asked if the Planning Board Chair or Vice Chair would be required to attend both the Public Hearing and the BOCC decision meeting. Chair McKee said when he served on the Planning Board it was his understanding that attendance at Public Hearings was mandatory. He said he supports continuing the requirement for the Planning Board attend Public Hearings. He said if there is not a quorum, then appointments should be made. He said the privilege of serving on the Planning Board carries with it responsibilities. Commissioner Jacobs said three of the five BOCC members in attendance tonight want the Planning Board to attend the Public Hearings, as well as the Board of County Commissioners' meetings and to require the Chair/Vice Chair of the Planning Board to attend. He said that sometimes life issues may interfere with attendance but, in general, attendance should be expected. Chair McKee said he understands that life issues come up, but he senses an overall attitude of apathy. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the requirement of a quorum, for a meeting to proceed, would still be in place; or if the process could continue, and necessary follow up could be done with the Planning Board after the fact. He said his main concern is not holding up the process. He said he would not oppose a general attendance requirement but struggles with any requirement that would cause the process to halt; especially when the public has been notified and has shown up.