Title
An Ordinance to Amend Sections 1:175 Through 1:185 of Chapter 8 - Organization of Boards and Commissions of Title I Administration of The Code of The City of Ann Arbor (Planning Commission Modifications) (ORD-24-16)
Memorandum
The proposed ordinance amendments address several organizational changes to the Planning Commission as established and regulated by Chapter 8 of the City Code.
City Planning staff recommends modifications to Sections 1:175, 1:176, and 1:181 to modify positions to more gender-neutral terminology. Additionally, staff recommends changes to Section 1:182 and 1:183 to reflect a shift from the use of “master plan” to comprehensive plan. Staff and the Planning Commission have been utilizing this terminology as the term “master” can be associated with the history of slavery, paternalism, or a finality that is not appropriate, as plans can evolve.
As part of a regular review of the By-Laws of the Planning Commission, the Commission identified a desired change to reduce the affirmative vote requirement to approve and/or advance a recommendation to the City Council of a majority of the Planning Commission. As the Planning Commission is comprised of many land use professionals, occasionally these members appropriately recuse themselves from discussion and deliberation, which can lead to challenges in achieving a vote or outcome. The Planning Commission recommends modification to Section 1:177 to reduce this standard from six to five affirmative votes. This maintains the base standard that a majority of the Commission is required to take action.
Staff
Prepared by: Brett Lenart, Planning Manager
Reviewed by: Derek Delacourt, Community Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Milton Dohoney Jr., City Administrator
Body
(See Attached Ordinance)