At the April 10 Planning Commission meeting, commissioner Theodore Cottingham again brought up what City Code stipulates regarding duties of the commission. He noticed some are not being fulfilled, and it was worth speaking about.
Cottingham referred to the first item in section 13.04.05 General Purpose which states the commission is to “Prepare or have prepared a plan of the city to receive and make recommendations on public and private proposals for development,” listed ahead of administering Planning regulations and advising city council.
Cottingham noted the next section calls for Planning to create a zoning map, which it did, and a Land Use Plan, a Community Facilities Plan, a Master Street Plan, and any other appropriate plans the city might need. These items have not been on their agenda, and Cottingham said he is still trying to clarify his role as a commissioner.
Commissioner Susan Harman responded that Planning does not have the budget to accomplish what Cottingham referred to, and commissioner Woodie Acord added that a Master Plan might cost tens of thousands of dollars.
After brief discussion, commissioners voted 3-2, Cottingham and commissioner Abbey Abbey voting No, to remove the topic from the agenda. Chair Ann Sallee voted Yes, so the item was struck.
Speaking of Code
Sallee pointed out section 13.04.07 of Code states, “All plans, recommended ordinances and regulations shall be adopted through the following procedure,” which includes a public hearing. Sallee said Planning had been advised the statement as written means all changes to City Code require a public hearing.
Cottingham mentioned at an earlier meeting the statement was intended to refer specifically to the Land Use Plan and other plans mentioned earlier in the Code. Commissioners agreed with him, so City Economic Development Director Glenna Booth showed commissioners her attempt to remedy the language in Code according to their understanding so that the requirement referred to specific plans, not every ordinance.
Commissioners voted to approve the recommended change.
Booth said she could add this change to the list of changes Planning submitted last year, which council has not considered yet, and ask to get the changes on the next agenda.
Other items
- Booth said she would collect ideas presented in the Low Impact Development workshop that are most applicable to Eureka Springs, as well as recommendations from the Springs Committee, as commissioners consider adding LID strategies to sections in Code specific to Subdivisions and Planned Use Developments.
- Sallee announced they would include in recommendations to council that a sign announcing new commercial construction be posted at the site in the interim between application and the subsequent commission meeting.
- The meeting began with a Public Hearing to hear from citizens about recommended changes to Code regarding the 200-foot rule, Bed & Breakfasts, the 180-day rule, revocation of Conditional Use Permits and a list of revised definitions, but nobody showed up.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, April 24, at 6 p.m.