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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, March 04, 2009 Page 15 Commissioner Gottfried concurred; opining that this seemed to be good logic, and that none of the Commissioners were engineers, nor did they have a vested interest in this property. Ayes: 1 (Boerigter) Nays: 6 (Best; Wozniak; Martinson; Gottfried; Doherty; Bakeman) Motion failed. Chair Bakeman noted that the case was tentatively scheduled to be heard by the City Council at their March 23, 2009 meeting. 6. Other Business a. Discussion of 2009 Planning Commission Work Plan Community Development Director Patrick Trudgeon addressed Commissioners on potential code amendments as previously identified on the Commission’s 2009 Work Plan. Mr. Trudgeon noted that, while the original goal had been to involve the Planning Commission on any potentially new or modified language (i.e., yard cover/turf establishment, recreational vehicles, and vehicle parking in front yards) it had become evident that such inclusions in the Zoning Code at this time would be problematic. Mr. Trudgeon provided proposed language to Section 407.02 (Nuisances Affecting Health, Safety, Comfort or Repose) related to those subjects, and recommended language from staff; requesting comment by e-mail from commissioners to staff. Discussion included concerns for upkeep of vacant lots, not just those where a dwelling stands; exceptions for natural, prairie, or ornamental grass, provided a management plan was in place; and the timing for selection of consultants and presentation of the Request for Proposals (RFP’s) to the City Council at their March 23, 2009 meeting. b. Government Training Services training/education programs City Planner Thomas Paschke noted that the 2009 Budget allotted monies for Commissioners to attend various training and education opportunities in their role as land use decision-makers; and encouraged their attendance at those opportunities. Mr. Paschke further noted that the City Attorney would be presenting a seminar in workshop session for newly-seated commissioners in the near future, and encouraged all Commissioners to attend as a refresher course. Commissioners Bakeman and Doherty both advocated for the value of such educational opportunities. c. Elect new officers per Chair Bakeman MOTION Member Boerigter moved, seconded by Member Wozniak to appoint Vice Chair Doherty to serve as Chair of the Planning Commission, beginning at the April 2009 meeting. Ayes: 6 Nays: 0 Abstentions: 1 (Doherty) Motion carried. Chair Doherty thanked fellow commissioners, opining that it would be his privilege and honor to carry on Chair Bakeman’s legacy. Chair Doherty advised that he would no longer be able to serve on the Variance Board and suggested selecting a replacement. City Planner Thomas Paschke suggested that, in the normal course of business, Commissioners wait until the April meeting to determine those serving on the Variance Board. 7. Adjourn Chair Bakeman adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:30 p.m.