HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission By laws, Ordinance No 3600 to revise By Council/Agency Meeting Held:W
Deferred/Continued to:
❑ RRroved ❑ Conditionally Ap roved ❑ Denied City Clerk's Signatur
:.1
Council Meeting Date: October 6, 2003 Department ID Number: PL03-22
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR ACTION
:
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBMITTED BY: PLANNING COMMISSION ry t- 4 is
. ;
-PREPAREDBY: JENNIFER MCGRATH, City Attorney ° j
HOWARD ZELEFSKY, Director of Planning
SUBJECT: APPROVE THE PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue:
Transmitted for your consideration are the proposed amendments to the Planning
Commission Bylaws. The bylaws are the rules by which the Planning Commission conducts
matters of business not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning
Commission reviewed the bylaws at several study sessions and took formal action to
approve the amendments at their meeting of March 11, 2003 and re-affirmed their action on
August 12, 2003.
The Planning Commission approved the amendments to their bylaws and is recommending
approval (Recommended Action). The proposed amendments are recommended to
update the document and clarify several sections pertaining to their duties, meetings, and
parliamentary procedures. The document was also re-formatted, re-ordered, and made
gender neutral. The City Attorney's comments, including alternative modifications on the
proposed Bylaws are included as Attachment 5.
Funding Source: Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to:
1. "Approve the Planning Commission Bylaws as amended by the Planning Commission
(ATTACHMENT NO. 1)."
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: October 6, 2003 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-22
Planning Commission Action on March 11, 2003:
THE MOTION MADE BY BOHR, SECONDED BY RAY, TO APPROVE THE PLANNING
COMMISSION BYLAWS AS PREPARED BY THE BYLAWS SUBCOMMITEE AND AMENDED BY
STRAW VOTE AND FORWARD TO THE CITY COUNCIL (ATTACHMENT NO. 2) CARRIED BY
THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: BOHR, STANTON, KOKAL, DINGWALL, RAY
NOES: DAVIS
ABSENT: SHOMAKER
ABSTAIN: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Planning Commission Action on August 12, 2003:
THE MOTION MADE BY RAY, SECONDED BY KOKAL, TO RE-AFFIRM THEIR PREVIOUS
ACTION ON THE AMENDMENTS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS AS PREPARED BY
THE BYLAWS SUBCOMMITEE AND AMENDED BY STRAW VOTE AND FORWARD TO THE CITY
COUNCIL (ATTACHMENT NO. 2) CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: SCANDURA, KOKAL, DINGWALL, RAY
NOES: DAVIS, STANTON, SHOMAKER
ABSENT: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
MOTION PASSED
Alternative Action(s):
The City Council may make the following alternative motion(s):
1. "Approve the Planning Commission Bylaws with the three modifications outlined in the
City Attorney's memorandum (ATTACHMENT 5)."
2. "Continue the Planning Commission Bylaws and direct staff accordingly."
Analysis:
The Bylaws are stipulated in Huntington Beach Municipal Code Chapter 2.34, Planning
Commission, Subsection 2.34.090, Bylaws. The section states "The Planning Commission
shall adopt such bylaws and rules as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their
method of selection, time and place of meeting and for such other matters relative to its work
and administration of duties which are not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance."
The Planning Commission reviewed the existing bylaws (Attachment No. 3) at several
PL03-22 -2- 9/22/2003 5:49 PM
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: October 6, 2003 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-22
meetings and recommended several changes to update and clarify several sections in the
document. The primary changes made by the Planning Commission are summarized below:
1) Clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Chair, Vice Chair, and the Commission, and
2) Clarify the election of officers, and
3) Specify how records are kept, proper public notification of meetings, and how meetings
are scheduled, and
4) Clarify the time and place of meetings, and what happens when a holiday conflicts with a
meeting, and
5) Require special meetings to have the same notice as regular meetings, and
6) Require four affirmative votes on any matter and applications, resolutions, and
amendments and if the 4"' affirmative vote is not cast the matter is deemed denied, and
7) Make the document gender neutral throughout
A legislative draft of the bylaws is provided to indicate the deleted (strike-thru) and new
(bold) text for your reference (Attachment No. 2). In addition, staff has prepared a matrix of
the proposed changes from the legislative draft that outlines the issues, the recommendation
by the Planning Commission, and the alternative modifications (Attachment No. 4).
Upon the approval of the bylaws by the Planning Commission, Planning staff forwarded the
proposed amendments to the City Attorney's Office for review and comment. The City
Attorney's Office recommended three alternative modifications: two changes to Section 7,
entitled Meetings and one change to Section 11, entitled Parliamentary Procedures
(Attachment No. 5). The City Attorneys alternative modifications are proposed to eliminate
cumbersome and repetitive language that is already covered by existing ordinances and
laws and the requirement for four affirmative votes on most matters.
The three alternative modifications are as follows:
Section 7 - MEETINGS:
Subpart (b), entitled "Regular Meetings" should be revised to read as follows:
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on the second and fourth Tuesday
of each month at the Huntington Beach Civic Center commencing at 5:15 p.m. or as
soon thereafter as the meeting may be called to order. Public notice and an agenda of
the meeting shall be given as required by law. In the event... (No further changes from
the approved version). Please refer to Page 4 of the legislative draft (Attachment No.
2).
Subpart (c), entitled "Special Meeting" should be revised to read as follows:
(c) Special Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair, or by a
majority of members, with public notice and an agenda of meeting as required by law.
Please refer to Page 5 of the legislative draft (Attachment No. 2).
PL03-22 -3- 91221=3 5:48 PM
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: October 6, 2003 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-22
Section 11 — Parliamentary Procedures:
All language in this section following the phrase "except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws..." would be deleted. Please refer to pages 7-8 of the legislative draft (Attachment
No. 2).
This section of the bylaws requires a minimum of four affirmative votes for the adoption or
approval of most matters before the Planning Commission. This artificial super-majority
requirement has resulted in occasional delays of projects that received a majority vote by the
members present. A project that receives a 3-2 affirmative vote is not approved under the
current or proposed bylaws.
Environmental Status: Not Applicable
Attachment(s1-
City Clerk s
1. Final Draft-Planning Commission Bylaws dated August 12, 2003
2. Planning Commission Legislative Draft-Bylaws dated August 12, 2003
3. Planning Commission Bylaws dated approved May 23, 1995
4. Matrix of Suggested Changes to Bylaws dated October 6, 2003
5. 1 City Attorne 's Office memo dated May 30, 2003
RCA Author: H. Fauland/S. Hess
PL03-22 -4- 9/23/2003 5:11 PM
ATTACHMENT 1
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1
BYLAWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Section 1. TITLE AND MEMBERSHIP. The official title of this Commission
shall be "Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach,"which may also be
referred to as the"Huntington Beach Planning Commission," "City Planning
Commission"or"Planning Commission." The Planning Commission shall consist of
seven(7) members,each appointed by a member of the City Council.
Section 2. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. The duties of the Planning
Commission shall be as provided in the California Government Code, as provided by
ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach, and as may be delegated to it by the City
Council.
Section 3. OFFICERS. The officers of the Planning Commission shall be a
Chair and Vice-Chair who shall be elected by majority vote of the Commission and shall
hold office for a period of one year or until their successors are elected. An election of
officers shall be held as soon as practical following the first day of January of every year.
The elected Chair and Vice-Chair shall assume office immediately following said
election. In the event of a vacancy of the Chair,the Vice-Chair shall serve the balance of
the unexpired term of the Chair. In the event of a vacancy of the Vice-Chair, a member
of the Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the unexpired term of the
Vice-Chair. No person shall occupy the office of Chair or Vice-Chair for more than two
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consecutive terms. The Planning Director of the City shall serve as Secretary of the
Commission.
Section 4. DUTIES OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR. The Chair shall preside at
the meetings of the Commission and in case of his/her absence or inability to act, the
Vice-Chair shall act, and in the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair,the
Commission shall appoint a Chair pro tempore who shall have all the powers and duties
of the Chair and shall serve only until such time as the Chair or Vice-Chair returns and is
able to act. The Chair shall have the power to make or second any motion, to present and
discuss any matters, and vote, notwithstanding the fact that they are the presiding officer
of the Commission.
The Chair, or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the Mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly to discuss issues common to the City Council and
Planning Commission.
When a Planning Commission item has been appealed to the City Council, or
when a Planning Commission decision on an item differs from staff s recommendation,
the Chair or his/her designee shall attend City Council meetings and present the majority
position of the Planning Commission on the pertinent item.
Section 5. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the Secretary
to keep accurate and permanent records of the acts and proceedings of the Commission,
and such records shall be retained and have the same status as other records of the City; to
schedule matters for hearing and consideration by the Commission;to provide timely
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notice of meetings, agenda and actions as required by code, ordinance, statute or the
Commission; and to perform such other duties required by code, ordinance, statute or the
Commission. In case of absence of the Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by the
Secretary, shall act, and in the absence of both Secretary and Acting Secretary,the Chair
shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore who for such period shall have all the powers and
duties of the Secretary and serve only until such time as the Secretary or Acting Secretary
returns and is able to act.
Section 6. ADVISORS. The Chair, or a majority of the Commission, may
request the attendance at Planning Commission meetings of any officer or employee of
the City to assist the Commission in its deliberations in an advisory capacity.
Section 7. MEETINGS.
(a) Open Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month at the Huntington Beach Civic Center commencing at
5:15 PM or as soon thereafter as the meeting may be called to order. Public notice
and an agenda of meeting shall be given as required by law. In the event the date
for a regular meeting falls on a legal holiday, such meeting date shall be deemed
to be the day following such holiday. In the event the date of a regular meeting
follows the date of a regular City Council meeting and such Council meeting falls
on a legal holiday,thereby requiring such Council meeting to be postponed to the
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following day, the date of the regular Commission meeting shall be deemed to be
the day after the hold of the postponed Council meeting.
(c) Special Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair,
or by a majority of members,with public notice and an agenda of meeting as
required by law.
(d) Public Hearings. The Commission shall not begin any public hearing item
after 11:00 PM unless the Commission, by majority vote, so agrees.
(e) Adjournment. Any meeting may be adjourned to a date certain which may be
specified in the order of adjournment. A copy of the order or notice of
adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where
the regular, adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held
within the twenty-four(24)hours after the time of the adjournment.
Section 8. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at meetings of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commission to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from two or more consecutive
regular meetings,without securing the consent of the Chair, upon majority vote, the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
Section 9. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission, a majority
of said Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the
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event there is no quorum at a Commission meeting, the Secretary shall adjourn such
meeting or shall adjourn to a date certain.
Section 10. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or
special meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order by the Chair.
(b) Consideration of matters on the agenda.
(c) Any other business which may properly come before the Commission.
Section 11. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The parliamentary rules
contained in the current revision of Robert's Rules of Order, except as otherwise noted in
these bylaws, shall, in general, govern the proceedings of this Commission. The Chair
shall decide all questions of order, subject to appeal by the Commission,and all appeals
shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present. The Chair shall vote on all
matters coming before the Commission whether there is a tie vote or not. No member
may vote at a meeting by proxy, or by any method other than being personally present and
casting his/her vote. Every member present shall vote on all questions. The result of any
vote shall be audibly announced by the Secretary and recorded in the minutes as the vote
of the Commission. Any member present who disqualifies himself/herself for any reason
from voting upon any question shall state his/her reasons for so doing. If a member
disqualifies himself/herself or abstains because of the requirements of the Political
Reform Act,they shall so state. The Secretary shall enter any disqualification and the
grounds therefore in the minutes of the meeting. A member who has disqualified
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himself/herself shall not be required to vote upon the question on which they have v
disqualified himself/herself, and his/her failure to vote shall be recorded as an abstention.
An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required for
the passage of any matter before the Commission, except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws.
Section 12. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. An affirmative vote of four(4) members
of the Planning Commission shall be required to amend these bylaws. Copies of a
proposed amendment shall be given to each member at a regular meeting, or shall be
mailed to each member at least five (5) days prior to a meeting, and may then be voted
upon at the next regular meeting.
Section 13. APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL ON THE 6TH DAY OF
OCTOBER, 2003, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning Commission of the
City of Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994, by unanimous vote of 6-0-1 (Sullivan-
Absent).
ATTEST:
Ho and Zelefsky, Secretary Ron Davis, Chair
Planning Commission
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DRAFT
BYI AWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Sectio 1. TITLE AND MEMBERSHIP. The official title of this Commission shall be
"Planning ommission of the City of Huntington Beach,"which may also be referred to
as the"Huntin on Beach Planning Commission,""City Planning Commission"or
"Planning Commi ion." The Planning Commission shall consist of seven(7)members,
each appointed by a m ber of the City Council.
Section 2. DUTIES OF CO SSION. The duties of the Planning Commission shall
be as provided in the California vernment Code, as provided by ordinance of the City
of Huntington Beach, and as may be elegated to it by the City Council.
Section 3. OFFICERS. The officers of the lanning Commission shall be a Chair and
Vice-Chair who shall be elected by majority vot of the Commission and shall hold office
for a period of one year or until their successors are ected. An election of officers shall
be held as soon as practical following the first day of J uary of every year. The elected
Chair and Vice-Chair shall assume office immediately foll g said election. In the
event of a vacancy of the Chair,the Vice-Chair shall serve the alance of the unexpired
term of the Chair. In the event of a vacancy of the Vice-Chair, a tuber of the
Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the unexpired to of the Vice-Chair.
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No person shall occupy the office of Chair or Vice-Chair for more than two consecutive
tes. The Planning Director of the City shall serve as Secretary of the Commission.
Section 4t DUTIES OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR. The Chair shall preside at the
meetings ofthe Commission and in case of his/her absence or inability to act, the Vice-
Chair shall act,'4nd in the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair,the Commission
shall appoint a Chair pro tempore who shall have all the powers and duties of the Chair
and shall serve only uktil such time as the Chair or Vice-Chair returns and is able to act.
The Chair shall have the,ppower to make or second any motion,to present and discuss any
matters, and vote,notwiths ding the fact that they are the presiding officer of the
Commission. The Chair, or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the Mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly t` discuss issues common to the City Council and
Planning Commission. When a Planni g Commission item has been appealed to the City
Council, or when a Planning Commission ecision on an item before the City Council
differs from staff s recommendation,the Cha or his/her designee shall attend City
Council meetings and present the majority positi of the Planning Commission on the
pertinent item.
Section 5. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be e duty of the Secretary to
keep accurate and permanent records of the acts and proceedi s of the Commission, and
such records shall be retained and have the same status as other r cords of the City;to
schedule matters for hearing and consideration by the Commission; o provide timely
notice of meetings, agenda and actions as required by code, ordinance,`statute or the
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Commission; and to perform such other duties required by code, ordinance, statute or the
Commission. In case of absence of the Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by the
cretary, shall act, and in the absence of both Secretary and Acting Secretary,the Chair
shal appoint a Secretary pro tempore who for such period shall have all the powers and
duties o the Secretary and serve only until such time as the Secretary or Acting Secretary
returns and able to act.
Section 6. ADVIS S. The Chair, or a majority of the Commission,may request the
attendance at Planning C ission meetings of any officer or employee of the City to
assist the Commission in its liberations in an advisory capacity.
Section 7. MEETINGS.
(a) Owen Meetings. All meetings of th Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings t transact business on public hearing items
and on all other matters before the Commission hall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month. The meetings shall conve on non-public hearing matters at the
hour of 5:15 PM in Room B-8 of the Civic Center and, necessary and with appropriate
notice, reconvene for public hearing items and to transact ther agendized business at the
hour of 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Civic Cente . Public notice and an
agenda of meeting shall be conspicuously posted and mailed or d ivered to members of
the Commission and to each local newspaper of general circulation, dio and television
station requesting notice in writing,by the Secretary, in accordance with ode, ordinance
and statute requirements. In the event the date for a regular meeting falls on a legal
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holiday, such meeting date shall be deemed to be the day following such holiday. In the
event the date of a regular meeting follows the date of a regular City Council meeting and
such Council meeting falls on a legal holiday,thereby requiring such Council meeting to
be postponed to the following day,the date of the regular Commission meeting shall be
deemed to be the day after the hold of the postponed Council meeting.
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(c) S eciaf* eeting. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair, or by a
majority of the°iVembers,with the same notice as required for a regular meeting. The call
and notice shall spify the time and place of the special meeting, and the business to be
transacted. No other b iness shall be considered at such meeting.
(d) Public Hearings. The ommission shall not begin any public hearing item after
11:00 PM unless the Commissi n,by majority vote, so agrees.
(e) Adjournment. Any meeting m be adjourned to a date certain which maybe
specified in the order of adjournment. copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall
be conspicuously posted on or near the doo of the place where the regular, adjourned
regular, special or adjourned special meeting held within the twenty-four(24)hours
after the time of the adjournment.
Section 8. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at mee gs of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commi ion to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from or more consecutive
1
regular meetings,without securing the consent of the Chair, upon m�onty vote,the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
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Section 9. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission, a majority of said
Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the event there
is,po quorum at a Commission meeting,the Secretary shall adjourn such meeting or shall
adjouip to a date certain.
Section 10. `ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or special
meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order b%whic
(b) Consideration the agenda.
(c) Any other busiay properly come before the Commission.
Section 11. PARLIAMENTAR %PR CEDURE. The parliamentary rules contained in
the current revision of Robert's Rules of Ckder, except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws, shall, in general, govern the proceedin of this Commission. The Chair shall
decide all questions of order, subject to appeal by t Commission, and all appeals shall
be decided by a majority vote of the members present. e Chair shall vote on all matters
coming before the Commission whether there is a tie vote o not. No member may vote
at a meeting by proxy, or by any method other than being perso lly present and casting
his/her vote. Every member present shall vote on all questions. Th esult of any vote
shall be audibly announced by the Secretary and recorded in the minutes the vote of the
Commission. Any member present who disqualifies himself/herself for any ason from
voting upon any question shall state his/her reasons for so doing. If a member
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disqualifies himself/herself or abstains because of the requirements of the Political
Reform Act,they shall so state. The Secretary shall enter any disqualification and the
grounds therefore in the minutes of the meeting. A member who has disqualified
himself/herself shall not be required to vote upon the question on which they have
disqualified himself/herself, and his/her failure to vote shall be recorded as an abstention.
An affirmati e vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required for
the passage of matter before the Commission,except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws. No applicat' n, resolution, or code amendment shall be deemed approved or
denied without an affirm tive vote of four(4)members of the Planning Commission
either for approval or denial. the event the required affirmative vote is not cast,the
matter shall be deemed denied.
Section 12. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. affirmative vote of four(4)members of the
Planning Commission shall be required to nd these bylaws. Copies of a proposed
amendment shall be given to each member at a lar meeting, or shall be mailed to each
member at least five(5) days prior to a meeting,and ay then be voted upon at the next
regular meeting.
Section 13. ADOPTION. APPROVED AND ADOPTED O THE I I'h day of March,
2003, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning Commissio of the City of
Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994, by the following roll call vo e:
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AYES: Bohr, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall, Ray
OES: Davis
SENT: Shomaker
AB TA1N: None
ATTEST:
Howard Zelefsky,Secretary Randy Kokal, Chair
Planning Commission
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ATTACHMENT 2
DRAFT
BYLAWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
(LEGISLATIVE DRAFT)
Section 1. TITLE AND MEMBERSHIP. Witte-Affiele 900 of the
The official title of this Commission shall be
"Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach,"which may also be referred to
as the"Huntington Beach Planning Commission,""City Planning Commission" or
"Planning Commission." The Planning Commission shall consist of seven (7)
members, each appointed by a member of the City Council.
Section Z DUTIES OF COMMISSION. The duties of the Planning
Commission shall be as provided in the California Government Code, as provided by
ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach, and as may be delegated to it by the City
Council,
Section 23. OFFICERS. The officers of t#isthe Planning Commission shall be
a Chairs and Vice-Chaim who shall be elected by majority vote of the Commission
and shall hold office for a period of one year and or until their successors are elected. -I1r
of the unexpired.o...., of the Gh Viee C . An election of officers shall be
held as soon as practical following the first day of January of every year. The elected
Chairs and Vice-Chairman shall assume office immediately following said election.
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In the event of a vacancy of the Chair, the Vice-Chair shall serve the balance of the
unexpired term of the Chair. In the event of a vacancy of the Vice-Chair, a member of
the Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the unexpired term of the Vice-
Chair. No person shall occupy the office of Chairman or Vice-Chairman for more than
two consecutive terms. The Planning Director of Community Developffien e City or-
his designee shall serve as Secretary of the Commission.
Section-34. DUTIES OF CHAIR AAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN. The
Chairman shall preside at the meetings of the Commission and in case of his/her absence
or inability to act,the Vice-Chairman shall act, and in the absence of both the Chair
and Vice-Chairman,the Commission shall appoint a Chairman pro tempore who shall
have all the powers and duties of the Chaim and shall serve only
until such time as the Chairman or Vice-Chairffan returns and is able to act. The
Chairman shall have the power to make or second any motion,to present and discuss any
matters, and vote, notwithstanding the fact that they are the presiding officer of the
Commission.
The Chairman, or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the Mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly to discuss issues common to the City Council and
Planning Commission
When there is a majority vote of the Planning Commission,the Ch^kma
t,• n, designeeh ll R Ct + i. P / item
ai
� Cl a u.0
has been appealed to the City Council, or when a Planning Commission decision on an
item differs from staff's recommendation, the Chair or his/her designee shall attend
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City Council meetings and present the majority position of the Planning Commission
on the pertinent item.
Section 45. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the
Secretary to keep . , iehedule
mat4er-s for-hear-i�and eensiderefien by the Commission,notify members of meetings
and peFfeFm sueh other-du4ies required by statute, law or-the Commission accurate and
permanent records of the acts and proceedings of the Commission, and such records
shall be retained and have the same status as other records of the City;to schedule
matters for hearing and consideration by the Commission;to provide timely notice of
meetings, agenda and actions as required by code, ordinance,statute or the
Commission; and to perform such other duties required by code, ordinance,statute or
the Commission. In case of absence of the Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by
the Secretary, shall act, and in the absence of both Secretary and Acting Secretary,the
Chaim shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore who for such period shall have all the
powers and duties of the Secretary and serve only until such time as the Secretary or
Acting Secretary returns and is able to act.
Section-56. ADVISORS. The Chairman-may,with eonsent of the Go ,
or a majority of the Commission, may request the attendance at Planning Commission
meetings of any officer or employee of the City to assist the Commission in its
deliberations in an advisory capacity.
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Section 67. MEETINGS.
(a) Open Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings to transact business on public hearing
items and on all other matters before the Commission shall be held on the
second and fourth Tuesday of each month. The meetings shall convene on non-
public hearing matters at the hour of 5:1 S PM in Room B-8 of the Civic Center
and, as necessary and with appropriate notice, reconvene for public hearing
items and to transact other agendized business at the hour of 7:00 PM in the
Council Chambers of the Civic Center. Public notice and an agenda of meeting
shall be conspicuously posted and mailed or delivered to members of the
Commission and to each local newspaper of general circulation, radio and
television station requesting notice in writing, by the Secretary, in accordance
with code, ordinance and statute requirements. In the event the date for a
regular meeting falls on a legal holiday,such meeting date shall be deemed to
be the day following such holiday. In the event the date of a regular meeting
follows the date of a regular City Council meeting and such Council meeting
falls on a legal holiday, thereby requiring such Council meeting to be
postponed to the following day, the date of the regular Commission meeting
shall be deemed to be the day after the hold of the postponed Council meeting.
(dc) Special Meeting. A special meeting may be called at any time by the
Chair, or by a majority of the members,by mailingor-personally delivering
"Ren notiee to eaeh member-of the Commission, and to eaeh leeal newspaper-of
general eiFeulation,radio and television s"on requesting notiee in"ting. Sueh
4 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
notiee fnuA be delivered personally of by mail at least twenty fouf(24)houfs
before the tiffle of sueh meeting as speeified in the , with the same notice as
required for a regular meeting. The call and notice shall specify the time and
place of the special meeting, and the business to be transacted. No other business
shall be considered at such meeting. Surah vai#ea notice may be dispensed iNith
aso t 0..ber-who, + o .•to the time the meeting e file L.
to iivir , g ' �••� t +
Sew of e Planning Go i-sien .men waiver-of notie . Sue''
e given by Sueh wFitten nefiecmay also be dispensed with as to
any member-who is ,.+.,all.,present at the...ee4i g aA the time it
(d) Public Hearings. The Commission shall not begin any public hearing item
after 11:00 PM unless the Commission, by majority vote,so agrees.
(ee) Adjournment. Any meeting may be adjourned to a date certain which may
be specified in the order of adjournment. A copy of the order or notice of
adjournment shall be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where
the regular,adjourned regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held
within the twenty-four(24)hours after the time of the adjournment. The
begin y publie heagagem aftef 11:00 PM tmiess the
Commission,by a majeFity vote,
se agrees. In the event the dated for-a regular-
meefing Wis on a legal holiday, sueh meeting dated shall be deemed to be the day
h holiday. in the eveM the date of a r-egulaf-meeting follows the a +
of a regular-City Gotmail meeting and sueh Counesil meeting falls on a legal
holiday, thereby requiring such Couneil meeting to be postponed to the fOlIE)Wifig
5 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
day,the date of the regular-GemwAssion fneeting s1W1 be deemed to be the day
moo..the holding of the postponed G,,uneil fneefing.
Section-78. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at meetings of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commission to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from two or more consecutive
regular meetings, without securing the consent of the Chair,upon majority vote, the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
Section 89. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission, a
majority of said Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In
the event there is no quorum at a Commission meeting,the Secretary shall adjourn such
meeting or shall adjourn to a date certain.
Section 910. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or
special meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order by the Chair.
(b) Consideration of matters on the agenda.
(c) Any other business which may properly come before the Commission.
Section 4-911. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The parliamentary rules
contained in the current revision of Robert's Rules of Order. except as otherwise noted in
6 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
these bylaws, shall, in general, govern the proceedings of this Commission. The
Chairman shall decide all questions of order, subject to appeal by the Commission, and
all appeals shall be decided by a majority vote of the members present. The Chairman
shall vote on all matters coming before the Commission whether there is a tie vote or not.
No member may vote at a meeting by proxy, or by any method other than being
personally present and casting his/her vote. Every member present shall vote on all
questions. The result of any vote shall be audibly announced by the Secretary and
recorded in the minutes as the vote of the Commission. Any member present who
disqualifies himself/herself for any reason from voting upon any question shall state
his/her reasons for so doing. If a member disqualifies himself/herself or abstains because
of the requirements of the Political Reform Act,they shall so state. The Secretary shall
enter any disqualification and the grounds therefore in the minutes of the meeting. A
member who has disqualified himself/herself shall not be required to vote upon the
question on which they have disqualified himself/herself, and his/her failure to vote shall
be recorded as an abstention. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present
and voting shall be required for the passage of any matter before the Commission,
except as otherwise noted in these bylaws. No application, resolution, or code
amendment shall be deemed approved or denied without an affirmative vote of four(4)
members of the Planning Commission either for approval or denial. In the event the
required affirmative vote is not cast, the matter shall be deemed denied.
No appheation,r-eselution or-eede amendment shall be deemed approved or-
denied without an affirmeAive vote of fouf(4)members of the Plafming Geffffnission-
7 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
either- denial. An ff;...ti,afiye vote f., majority of the f e.. be«s present
and voting shall be r-equifed feF the passage of any other-ffHA4er-.
I the event the required affirmative vote ; not east the„-,attv,•shill be.,e tinued
/A\ aff;...f.afiye votes, e;theF fe approval of denial,the.a eAe.-will he.lee...e,l denied.
Section 4412. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. An maje>ity affirmative vote of all
four(4) members of the Planning Commission entitled to vets shall be required to
amend these bylaws. Copies of a proposed amendment shall be given to each member at
a regular meeting, or shall be mailed to each member at least five (S) days prior to a
meeting, and may then be voted upon at the next regular meeting.
Section 4-213. ADOPTION. APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE 23fd 11'k
day of MayMarch,49952003, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning
Commission of the City of Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994,by the following roll
call vote:
AYES: LiveageedBohr,Biddlatanton, Go anKokal, Ker-insDingwall,
TillitseaRay, Speaker
NOES: NoneDavis
ABSENT: HoklenShomaker
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Howard Zelefsky, Secretary GaFy Gofman, Chakma
Randy Kokal, Chair
Planning Commission
8 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
ATTACHMENT 3
BYLAWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Section 1. TITLE. Pursuant to Article 900 of the Huntington Beach Ordinance
Code,the official title of this Commission shall be"Planning Commission of the City of
Huntington Beach,"which may also be referred to as the"Huntington Beach Planning
Commission,""City Planning Commission"or"Planning Commission."
Section 2. OFFICERS. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairman and
Vice-Chairman who shall be elected by majority vote of the Commission and shall hold
office for a period of one year and until their successors are elected. In the event of a
vacancy, a member of the Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the
unexpired term of the Chairman or Vice Chairman. An election of officers shall be held
as soon as practical following the first day of January of every year. The elected
Chairman and Vice Chairman shall assume office immediately following said election.
No person shall occupy the office of Chairman or Vice Chairman for more than two
consecutive terms. The Director of Community Development or his designee shall serve
as Secretary of the Commission.
Section 3. DUTIES OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN. The Chairman
shall preside at the meetings of the Commission and in case of his absence or inability to
act,the Vice Chairman shall act, and in the absence of both the Chairman and Vice
Chairman,the Commission shall appoint a Chairman pro tempore who shall have all the
powers and duties of the Chairman or Vice Chairman and shall serve only until such time
as the Chairman or Vice Chairman returns and is able to act. The Chairman shall have
the power to make or second any motion,to present and discuss any matters, and vote,
notwithstanding the fact that they are the presiding officer of the Commission.
The Chairman,or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly to discuss issues common the City Council and
Planning Commission; and
When there is a majority vote of the Planning Commission,the Chairman or
his/her designee shall attend City Council meetings when a Planning Commission item
has been appealed to the City Council, or when a Planning Commission decision on an
item differs from staff s recommendation.
Section 4. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the Secretary
to keep a full and true record of all proceedings of the Commission, schedule matters for
hearing and consideration by the Commission, notify members of meetings and perform
such other duties required by statute, law or the Commission. In case of absence of the
Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by the Secretary, shall act, and in the absence of
both Secretary and Acting Secretary,the Chairman shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore
who for such period shall have all the powers and duties of the Secretary and serve only
until such time as the Secretary or Acting Secretary returns and is able to act.
Section 5. ADVISORS. The Chairman may,with consent of the Commission,
request the attendance at Planning Commission meetings of any officer or employee of
the City to assist the Commission in its deliberations in an advisory capacity.
1 (By Laws)
(5/23/1995)
Section 6. MEETINGS.
(a) Open Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month at the hour of 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Civic
Center.
(c) Adjournment. Any meeting may be adjourned to a date certain which may be
specified in the order of adjournment. A copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall
be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular,adjourned
regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within the twenty-four(24)hours
after the time of the adjournment. The Commission shall not begin any public hearing
item after 11:00 PM unless the Commission,by majority vote, so agrees. In the event the
date for a regular meeting falls on a legal holiday, such meeting date shall be deemed to
be the day following such holiday. In the event the date of a regular meeting follows the
date of a regular City Council meeting and such Council meeting falls on a legal holiday,
thereby requiring such Council meeting to be postponed to the following day,the date of
the regular Commission meeting shall be deemed to be the day after the holding of the
postponed Council meeting.
(d) Special Meeting. A special meeting may be called at any time by the
Chairman, or by a majority of the members, by mailing or personally delivering written
notice to each member of the Commission,and to each local newspaper of general
circulation,radio and television station requesting notice in writing. Such notice must be
delivered personally or by mail at least twenty-four(24)hours before the time of such
meeting, as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of
the special meeting, and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be
considered at such meeting. Such written notice may be dispensed with as to any member
who, at or prior to the time the meeting convenes, files with the Secretary of the Planning
Commission a written waiver of notice. Such waiver may be given by telegram. Such
written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the
meeting at the time it convenes.
Section 7. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at meetings of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commission to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from two or more consecutive
regular meetings, without securing the consent of the Chairman,upon majority vote,the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
Section 8. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission, a majority of
said Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the event
there is no quorum at a Commission meeting,the Secretary shall adjourn such meeting or
shall adjourn to a date certain.
Section 9. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or special
meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order by the Chairman.
(b) Consideration of matters on the agenda.
(c) Any other business which may properly come before the Commission.
2 (By Laws)
(5/23/1995)
Section 10. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The parliamentary rules
contained in the current revision of Robert's Rules of Order shall, in general, govern the
proceedings of this Commission. The Chairman shall decide all questions of order,
subject to appeal by the Commission, and all appeals shall be decided by a majority vote
of the members present. The Chairman shall vote on all matters coming before the
Commission whether there is a tie vote or not. No member may vote at a meeting by
proxy, or by any method other than being personally present and casting his vote. Every
member present shall vote on all questions. The result of any vote shall be audibly
announced by the Secretary and recorded in the minutes as the vote of the Commission.
Any member present who disqualifies himself for any reason from voting upon any
question shall state his reasons for so doing. If a member disqualifies himself or abstains
because of the requirements of the Political Reform Act,they shall so state. The
Secretary shall enter any disqualification and the grounds therefore in the minutes of the
meeting. A member who has disqualified himself shall not be required to vote upon the
question on which they have disqualified himself, and his failure to vote shall be recorded
as an abstention.
No application,resolution or code amendment shall be deemed approved or
denied without an affirmative vote of four(4)members of the Planning Commission
either for approval or denial. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present
and voting shall be required for the passage of any other matter.
In the event the required affirmative vote is not cast,the matter shall be continued
to the next regular meeting or to a date certain, agreed to by a majority of the
Commissioners present. If at the continued meeting the matter again fails to receive four
(4)affirmative votes, either for approval or denial,the matter will be deemed denied.
Section 11. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. A majority vote of all members entitled
to vote shall be required to amend these bylaws. Copies of a proposed amendment shall
be given to each member at a regular meeting,or shall be mailed to each member at least
five days prior to a meeting, and may then be voted upon at the next regular meeting.
Section 12. ADOPTION. APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE 23rd day of
May, 1995, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning Commission of the City of
Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994,by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Holden
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Howard Zelefsky, Secretary Gary Gorman, Chairman
Planning Commission
/kj1
3 (By Laws)
(5/23/1995)
ATTACHMENT 4
PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
SUGGESTED MODIFICATIONS - OCTOBER 61,2003
PAGE NO. SECTION ISSUE PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS
LEG.DRFT. COMMISSION
Pg. #1 Section 1 Title Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
add Membership to
heading; add
appointed by City
Council
Pg. #1 Section 2 Duties of Add new text: add Concurs with new text None
Commission new section; clarify
duties of Commission
Pg. #1-2 Section 3 Officers Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
clarify election of
officers
Pg. #2-3 Section 4 Duties of Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
Chair and make gender neutral;
Vice-Chair clarify
responsibilities of
Chair and Vice-Chair
Pg. #3 Section 5 Duties of the Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
Secretary clarify how records
are kept, scheduling
of meetings, noticing,
and other duties
Pg. #3 Section 6 Advisors Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
clarify who may
request attendance of
staff at meetings
(g:\hf\planningcommission\bylawsmat ix100603) 1
PLANNING COMNUSSION BYLAWS
SUGGESTED MODIFICATIONS OCT'OBER 6 2003 J1
PAGE NO. SECTION ISSUE PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS
LEG. DRFT. COMMISSION
Pg. #4 Section 7 Meetings: Add new/delete text: Additional language is not necessary Incorporate language
(b) Regular clarify time and place and is repetitive of existing recommended by the City
Meetings of meetings, noticing, ordinances and laws Attorney's Office, eliminates
agendas, holiday potential for further amendments
conflicts and to bylaws if ordinances or laws
scheduling change.
Pg. #4-5 Section 7 Meetings: Add new/delete text: Additional language is not necessary Incorporate language
(c) Special require special and can be simplified by referring to recommended by the City
Meetings meetings to have the existing ordinances and laws Attorney's Office, eliminates
same notice as potential for further amendments
regular meetings to bylaws if ordinances or laws
change.
Pg. #5 Section 7 Meetings: Add new text: begin a Concurs with new text None
(d) Public new public hearing
Hearings after 11:00 PM
requires a majority
vote by the Planning
Commission
Pg. #5-6 Section 7 Meetings: Delete text: Concurs with new text None
(e) eliminates repetitive
Adjournment text and reorganize to
other sections
Pg. #6 Section 8 Attendance Delete text: make Concurs with new text None
ender neutral
Pg. #6 Section 10 Order of Delete text: make Concurs with new text None
Business gender neutral
(g:\hflplanningcommission\bylawsmatrix100603) 2
PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
SUGGESTED MODIFICATIONS OCTOBER 6,2003
SECTION ISSUE PLANNING STAFF RECOMMENDATION COMMENTS
PAGE NO. COMMISSION
LEG.DRFT.
Pg. #6-8 Section 1 I Parliamentary Add new/delete text: See comment section. Incorporate language
Procedures make gender neutral; recommended by the City
require an Attorney's Office, eliminates the
affirmative vote of 4 super majority requirement and
members on any eliminates potential for delays.
matter and on Example: If a project receives a
applications, 3-2 vote, the matter is not
resolutions, or code approved under the existing or
amendments; 4th proposed bylaws.
affirmative vote not
cast matter deemed
denied
Pg. #8 Section 12 Change in Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
Bylaws requires 4 affirmative
votes to amend
bylaws
Pg. #8 Section 13 Adoption Add new/delete text: Concurs with new text None
reflect current
actions
(g:\hf\planningcommission\bylawsmat ix100603) 3
ATTACHMENT 5 1
JJfe
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter-Department Communication
TO: HOWARD ZELESFKY,Planning Director
FROM:' JENNIFER MCGRATH, City Attorney
DATE: May 30, 2003
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Bylaws
RLS 2003-0276
The Planning Commission recently adopted several proposed amendments to its bylaws. You
have requested our review of the proposed bylaws. We have noted below several
recommendations that are different from those approved by the Commission:
Section 7 entitled Meetings: This section as proposed is overly cumbersome and too repetitive
of existing laws. We recommend the following changes:
Subpart(b) entitled"Regular Meetings should be revised to read as follows:
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings''shall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month at the Huntington Beach Civic Center commencing at
5:15 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the meeting maybe called to order. Public
notice and an agenda of the meeting shall be given as required by law. In the
event. (No further changes from approved version.)
Subpart(c), entitled"Special Meeting"should be revised to read as follows:
(c) Special'Meetings. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair, or
by a majority of members,with public notice and an agenda of meeting as
required by law.
Section 11, entitled Parliamentary Procedure, requires a minimum of four affirmative votes for
the adoption of most items before the Commission. This artificial super-majority requirement
has resulted in occasional delays of projects that received a majority vote of the members
present. A project that receives a 3-2 affirmative vote is not approved under the current bylaws.
We recommend that all language in this section following the phrase "except as otherwise noted
in these bylaws. . . ." be deleted.
Page 2
Howard Zelefsky
Re: Planning Commission Bylaws
Please contact me if you have any further questions.
JENNIFER MCGRATH,
City Attorney
/k
c: Hon. Mayor and City Council members
Hon. Chairman and Planning Commissioners
Attachment: Bylaws (3/6/03 draft version)
pda/03memoslbylaws
RCA ROUTING SHEET
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Planning
SUBJECT: PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: October 6, 2003
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Attached
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attome Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attome Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attome Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement Unbud et, over $5,000 Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report If applicable) Not Applicable
Find in s/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR MISSING ATTACHMENTS
REVIEWED RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff L
Assistant C Administrator Initial
City Administrator Initial Q
City Clerk
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN OF ITEM:
(BelowOtt 4
• . For Only)
RCA Author: HZ:SH:HF:rl
DRAFT
BYLAWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Section 1. TITLE AND MEMBERSHIP. The official title of this Commission shall be
"Planning Commission of the City of Huntington Beach,"which may also be referred to
as the"Huntington Beach Planning Commission,""City Planning Commission" or
"Planning Commission." The Planning Commission shall consist of seven(7)members,
each appointed by a member of the City Council.
Section 2. DUTIES OF COMMISSION. The duties of the Planning Commission shall
be as provided in the California Government Code, as provided by ordinance of the City
of Huntington Beach, and as may be delegated to it by the City Council.
Section 3. OFFICERS. The officers of the Planning Commission shall be a Chair and
Vice-Chair who shall be elected by majority vote of the Commission and shall hold office
for a period of one year or until their successors are elected. An election of officers shall
be held as soon as practical following the first day of January of every year. The elected
Chair and Vice-Chair shall assume office immediately following said election. In the
event of a vacancy of the Chair,the Vice-Chair shall serve the balance of the unexpired
term of the Chair. In the event of a vacancy of the Vice-Chair, a member of the
Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the unexpired term of the Vice-Chair.
1 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
No person shall occupy the office of Chair or Vice-Chair for more than two consecutive
terms. The Planning Director of the City shall serve as Secretary of the Commission.
Section 4. DUTIES OF CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR. The Chair shall preside at the
meetings of the Commission and in case of his/her absence or inability to act,the Vice-
Chair shall act, and in the absence of both the Chair and Vice-Chair,the Commission
shall appoint a Chair pro tempore who shall have all the powers and duties of the Chair
and shall serve only until such time as the Chair or Vice-Chair returns and is able to act.
The Chair shall have the power to make or second any motion,to present and discuss any
matters, and vote,notwithstanding the fact that they are the presiding officer of the
Commission. The Chair, or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the Mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly to discuss issues common-to the City Council and
Planning Commission. When a Planning Commission item has been appealed to the City
Council, or when a Planning Commission decision on an item before the City Council
differs from staff s recommendation,the Chair or his/her designee shall attend City
Council meetings and present the majority position of the Planning Commission on the
pertinent item.
Section 5. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to
keep accurate and permanent records of the acts and proceedings of the Commission, and
such records shall be retained and have the same status as other records of the City;to
schedule matters for hearing and consideration by the Commission; to provide timely
notice of meetings,agenda and actions as required by code, ordinance, statute or the
2 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
Commission; and to perform such other duties required by code, ordinance, statute or the
Commission. In case of absence of the Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by the
Secretary, shall act, and in the absence of both Secretary and Acting Secretary,the Chair
shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore who for such period shall have all the powers and
duties of the Secretary and serve only until such time as the Secretary or Acting Secretary
returns and is able to act.
Section 6. ADVISORS. The Chair, or a majority of the Commission,may request the
attendance at Planning Commission meetings of any officer or employee of the City to
assist the Commission in its deliberations in an advisory capacity.
Section 7. MEETINGS.
(a) Oren Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings to transact business on public hearing items
and on all other matters before the Commission shall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month. The meetings shall convene on non-public hearing matters at the
hour of 5:15 PM in Room B-8 of the Civic Center and, as necessary and with appropriate
notice, reconvene for public hearing items and to transact other agendized business at the
hour of 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Civic Center. Public notice and an
agenda of meeting shall be conspicuously posted and mailed or delivered to members of
the Commission and to each local newspaper of general circulation,radio and television
station requesting notice in writing,by the Secretary, in accordance with code, ordinance
and statute requirements. In the event the date for a regular meeting falls on a legal
3 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
holiday, such meeting date shall be deemed to be the day following such holiday. In the
event the date of a regular meeting follows the date of a regular City Council meeting and
such Council meeting falls on a legal holiday,thereby requiring such Council meeting to
be postponed to the following day,the date of the regular Commission meeting shall be
deemed to be the day after the hold of the postponed Council meeting.
(c) Special Meeting. A special meeting may be called at any time by the Chair, or by a
majority of the members,with the same notice as required for a regular meeting. The call
and notice shall specify the time and place of the special meeting, and the business to be
transacted. No other business shall be considered at such meeting.
(d) Public Hearings. The Commission shall not begin any public hearing item after
11:00 PM unless the Commission, by majority vote, so agrees.
(e) Adjournment. Any meeting may be adjourned to a date certain which may be
specified in the order of adjournment. A copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall
be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular,adjourned
regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within the twenty-four(24)hours
after the time of the adjournment.
Section 8. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at meetings of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commission to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from two or more consecutive
regular meetings, without securing the consent of the Chair, upon majority vote,the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
4 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
Section 9. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission,a majority of said
Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the event there
is no quorum at a Commission meeting,the Secretary shall adjourn such meeting or shall
adjourn to a date certain.
Section 10. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or special
meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order by the Chair.
(b) Consideration of matters on the agenda.
(c) Any other business which may properly come before the Commission.
Section 11. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The parliamentary rules contained in
the current revision of Robert's Rules of Order,except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws, shall, in general, govern the proceedings of this Commission. The Chair shall
decide all questions of order, subject to appeal by the Commission,and all appeals shall
be decided by a majority vote of the members present. The Chair shall vote on all matters
coming before the Commission whether there is a tie vote or not. No member may vote
at a meeting by proxy, or by any method other than being personally present and casting
his/her vote. Every member present shall vote on all questions. The result of any vote
shall be audibly announced by the Secretary and recorded in the minutes as the vote of the
Commission. Any member present who disqualifies himself/herself for any reason from
voting upon any question shall state his/her reasons for so doing. If a member
5 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
disqualifies himself/herself or abstains because of the requirements of the Political
Reform Act,they shall so state. The Secretary shall enter any disqualification and the
grounds therefore in the minutes of the meeting. A member who has disqualified
himself/herself shall not be required to vote upon the question on which they have
disqualified himself/herself, and his/her failure to vote shall be recorded as an abstention.
An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting shall be required for
the passage of any matter before the Commission, except as otherwise noted in these
bylaws. No application, resolution, or code amendment shall be deemed approved or
denied without an affirmative vote of four(4)members of the Planning Commission
either for approval or denial. In the event the required affirmative vote is not cast,the
matter shall be deemed denied.
Section 12. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. An affirmative vote of four(4)members of the
Planning Commission shall be required to amend these bylaws. Copies of a proposed
amendment shall be given to each member at a regular meeting, or shall be mailed to each
member at least five(5) days prior to a meeting, and may then be voted upon at the next
regular meeting.
Section 13. ADOPTION. APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE I Id' day of March,
2003, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning Commission of the City of
Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994,by the following roll call vote:
6 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
AYES: Bohr, Stanton, Kokal, Dingwall, Ray
NOES: Davis
ABSENT: Shomaker
ABSTAIN: None
ATTEST:
Howard Zelefsky, Secretary Randy Kokal, Chair
Planning Commission
7 (By Laws)
8/12/2003
(9) October 6, 2003 -Council/Agency Agenda - Page 9
E-12. (City Council) Review and Approve Professional Services Agreements for Fiscal Year
2003-2004 Budget ( . ) —Authorize the City Administrator to enter into the professional
service agreements included in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget and detailed in
Attachment 1 according to established procedures. Submitted by the City Administrator.
Funding Source: Each professional service agreement included in Attachment 1 has
sufficient funds appropriated for it in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget. The account
numbers for each agreement is also detailed in Attachment 1.
Communication from the City Clerk requesting Council to include a direction that the
agreements be prepared to include the City Clerk's Attestation Line.
Continued City Clerk's request to future study session.
Approved recommended action 4-2-1 (Coerper, Green—NO, Sullivan absent).
E-13. (City Council) Modify the License Agreement Conditions Regarding Outdoor Dining
with Alcohol Beverages Pertaining to Section 4.2.33 of the Downtown Specific Plan
( . )—Remove Condition L, pertaining to the serving of alcohol beverages at the outdoor
dining areas on July 4t'from the license agreement titled License Agreement— Outdoor
Dining w/Alcohol Standard Conditions for businesses with outdoor dining and alcohol permits
from the Downtown Specific Plan,4.2.33. Submitted by the Chief of Police. Funding
Source: Not applicable.
Approved 5-1-1 (Boardman—NO, Sullivan absent)
E-14. (City Council) Approve the Amended Planning Commission Bylaws ( )—Approve the
Planning Commission Bylaws titled Bylaws City of Huntington Beach Planning Commission.as
amended by the Planning Commission (Attachment No. 1). Submitted by the City Attomev
and the Planning Director. Funding Source: Not applicable.
Adopted as amended with City Attorney's recommendation for revision 6-0-1 (Sullivan
absent)
(9) October 6, 2003 -Council/Agency Agenda - Page 9
E-12. (City Council) Review and Approve Professional Services Agreements for Fiscal Year
2003-2004 Budget ( \. ) —Authorize the City Administrator to enter into the professional
service agreements inc ded in the Fiscal Year 2003-2004 budget and detailed in
Attachment 1 according established procedures. Submitted by the Ci -Administrator.
Funding Source: Each pr essional service agreement included in At hment 1 has
sufficient funds appropriate for it in the Fiscal Year 2003-2- bu et. The account
numbers for each agreement' also detailed in Attachment 1.
Communication from the City G1rk requesting Council to in de a direction that the
agreements be prepared to incWe the City Clerk's Attes ion Line.
Continued City Clerk's request to futur study session.
Approved recommended action 4-2-1 ( erper, Greed—NO, Sullivan absent).
E-13. (City Council Modify the License A r ent Conditions Regarding Outdoor Dining
with Alcohol Beverages Pertaining 'S ction 4.2.33 of the Downtown Specific Plan
( . )—Remove Condition L, pert ' ing to theserving of alcohol beverages at the outdoor
dining areas on July 4t'from thexlicense agreement titled License Agreement— Outdoor
Dining w/Alcohol Standard Conditions for businesses with outdoor dining and alcohol permits
from the Downtown Speci#6 Plan, 4.2.33. Submitted by the Chief of Police. Funding
Source: Not applicable:'
Approved 5-1-1 (Board n—NO, Sullivan absent)
E-14. (City Council) Approve the Amended Planning Commission Bylaws ( )—Approve the
Planning.Commission Bylaws titled Bylaws City of Huntington 89,ach Planning Commission,as
amended by the Planning Commission (Attachment No. 1). Subm`f d by the City Attomey
and the Planning Director. Funding Source: Not applicable.
Adopted as amended with City Attorney's recommendation for revision ,6-0-1 ,(Sullivan
absent)
s
He'j
N CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
Inter-Department Communication
TO: PATTY ESPARZA, Deputy City Clerk
FROM: PAUL D'ALESSANDRO,Assistant City Attorney
DATE: October 28,2003
SUBJECT: Planning Commission Bylaws(RLS 2003-0516)
In response to your October 15, 2003 memo, attached is a copy of the Bylaws of the City of
Huntington Beach Planning Commission, which we obtained from the Planning Department, and
which incorporate the changes recommended by the City Attorney.
PAUL D'ALESSANDRO,
Assistant City Attorney
PDA/K
Attachment: As above
C
03memos/bylaws to cb
Council/Agency Meeting Held: Z�3r a3
Deferred/Continued to:
0 Approved D Conditionally Approved2q Denied City Clerk's Signatu
Council Meeting Date: February 3, 2003 Department ID Number: PL03-08
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR ACTION t—
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administratora/?d
PREPARED BY: HOWARD ZELEFSKY, Director of Planning
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3600 AMENDING SECTION 2.34.090
OF HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE(PLANNING COMMISSION
BYLAWS)
Statement of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Alternative Action(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachments)
Statement of Issue:
On January 21, 2003 the City Council voted to reconsider their approval of Ordinance No..
3600 which would reduce the required number of Planning Commission meetings from twice
monthly to once a month. Attached for City Council consideration is Ordinance 3600 as
revised by the City Council during the first reading of the Ordinance.
Funding Source: Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 3�6b
Motion to:
1. "Approve Ordinance No. 3600, an Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the
Huntington Beach Municlp ode by amending Section No. 2.34.090 relating to Planning
Commission Bylaws TTACHMENT NO. 1)
2. "Direct th anning Department staff to return to the Planning Commission with the necessary
Byl anges for their adoption which implement the City Council approved change to once a
month regular meetings."
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: February 3, 2003 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-08
Altemative Action(s):
The City Council may make the following alternative motion(s):
1. "Deny Ordinance No. 3600, an Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the
Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Section No. 2.34.090 relating to Planning
Commission Bylaws (ATTACHMENT NO. 1)".
Attachment(s):
City Clerk's
Page Number No. Description
1 Ordinance No. 3600
RCA Author: Howard Zelefsky
PL03-08 -2- 1/28/2003 3:09 PM
ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE NO. 3 6QL2
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING
SECTION 2.34.090 RELATING TO PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
WHEREAS, pursuant to its bylaws,the City Planning Commission generally holds two
meetings each month, which are usually scheduled during evening hours on the second and
fourth Tuesdays; and
Due to budget reductions,the City Council desires to change the meeting schedule of the
City Planning Commission to one meeting per month,
NOW, THEREFORE,the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2.34.090 Bylaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such
bylaws and rules as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their
method of selection, time and place of meetings and for other such matters
relative to its work and administration of its duties which are not otherwise
provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold its
regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If the
second Tuesday of a month is a holiday,the regular meeting for that month
shall be held on the following day.Notwithstanding the foregoing,the
Secretary of the Planning Commission or a majority of the Planning
Commission, with the same notice as required for a regular meeting,may call a
special meeting of the Planning Commission at any such time as deemed
necessary or convenient.
1
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall become effective thirty(30) days after its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on January_, 2003.
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk it"Atto7m�y
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
cz� 14"1 -,-7 ��
City Ad 1.nistrator Ar6ctor of Planning
2
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2.34.090 Bylaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such bylaws and rules
as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their method of selection,time and place of
meetings and for other such matters relative to its work and administration of its duties which are
not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold
its regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If
the second Tuesday of a month is a holiday, the regular meeting for that
month shall be held on the following day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Secretary of the Planning Commission or a majority of the Planning
Commission, with the same notice as required for a regular meeting, may call
a special meeting of the Planning Commission at any such time as deemed
necessary or convenient.
3
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
RCA ROUTING SHEET -
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Planning
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 3600 AMENDING
SECTION 2.34.090 OF HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL
CODE PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: February 3, 2003
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attome Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attome Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attome Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement (Unbudget, over$5,000) Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report If applicable) Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR MISSING ATTACHMENTS
REVIEWED RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff
Assistant City Administrator Initial
City Administrator Initial
City Clerk
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN OF ITEM:
(Below • Only)
RCA Author: HZ:rl
CounciVAgency Meeting Held: J-6-03
Deferred/Continued to:
0 Approved Conditionally Approved D Denied City Clerk's Signa e
Council Meeting Date: January & 2003 Department ID Number: PL03-02
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator 020e8
PREPARED BY: HOWARD ZELEFSKY, Director of Plannin
3600
SUBJECT: APPROVE ORDINANCE NO. AMENDING THE HUNTINGTO N
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 2.34c090�=
RELATING TO PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS t-
jFStatement of Issue,Funding Source,Reconrnended Action,Alternative Actb m n(s),Analysis,Environmental Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue:
In an effort to reduce costs and streamline development processing, the Planning staff is
recommending that the City Council amend Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach
Municipal Code to reduce the number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice
monthly to once a month or as needed.
Funding Source: Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to:
1. "Approve Ordinance No. ad , an Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the
Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Section No. 2.34.090 relating to Planning
Commission ByLaws (ATTACHMENT NO. 1)".
2. "Direct the Planning Department staff to return to the Planning Commission with the necessary
By-Law changes for their adoption which implement the City Council approved change to once
a month regular meetings."
o2e-,b
f
r
i
REQUEST FOR ACTION
MEETING DATE: January A 2003 DEPARTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-02
B. STAFF ANALYSIS:
For the past two years the Planning Commission has seen a significant reduction in the
number and length of its meetings. This can be attributed to two key factors which influence
Planning Commission scheduling. First, in 2001 the City Council approved a
comprehensive amendment to the City's Zoning Code which shifted the review of a variety of
items from the Planning Commission to the Zoning Administrator or Staff. The City Council
also approved specific plans which provided distinct development standards that relieved a
property owner from Planning Commission review if they complied with the standards
adopted by the City Council.
The second factor influencing Planning scheduling is the natural evolution of buildout of the
City. Simply stated, there is less land available for development. Future land use changes
will primarily be focused on rehabilitation of existing properties.
As a result of these changes, we have canceled ten (10) meetings in the past two years.
Many of the remaining meetings have been limited to one or two minor items. We believe
that one meeting a month that is three hours long is more efficient than two meetings per
month that last only an hour and a half. By implementing this simple modification, we
estimate the City will save between $35,000 and $50,000 annually. However, it should be
noted that the Planning Commission or Secretary to the Planning Commission will always
have the discretion to add a meeting if it is warranted.
General Fund Savings: $35,000 to $50,000 annually.
Environmental Status: Not applicable.
Attach ent(si:
City Clerk'
Page Number No. Description
1 Ordinance No. 36�
RCA Author: Howard Zelefsky
PL03-02 -2- 1/3/2003 11:39 AM
ATTACHMENT # 1
, r
ORDINANCE NO. 3 0 Q
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING
SECTION 2.34.090 RELATING TO PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
WHEREAS,pursuant to its bylaws, the City Planning Commission generally holds two
meetings each month, which are usually scheduled during evening hours on the second and _
fourth Tuesdays; and
Due to budget reductions,the City Council desires to change the meeting schedule of the
City Planning Commission to one meeting per month,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2.34.090 Bylaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such
bylaws and rules as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their
method of selection,time and place of meetings and for other such matters
relative to its work and administration of its duties which are not otherwise
provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold its
regular meeting once each month,on the second Tuesday of each month. If the
second Tuesday of a month is a holiday,the regular meeting for that month
shall be held on the following day.Notwithstanding the foregoing,the
Secretary of the Planning Commission may call a special meeting of the
Planning Commission at any such time as deemed necessary or convenient.
1
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
r
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall become effective thirty(30) days after its
adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on January 6,2003.
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk ity Auto ey
I;L
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
01
City A strator DiiWtor of Planning
2
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2.34.090 Bylaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such bylaws and rules
as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their method of selection,time and place of
meetings and for other such matters relative to its work and administration of its duties which are
not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold
its regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If
the second Tuesday of a month is a holiday, the regular meeting for that
month shall be held on the following day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Secretary of the Planning Commission may call a special meeting of the
Planning Commission at any such time as deemed necessary or convenient.
3
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
RCA ROUTING SHEET
INITIATING DEPARTMENT: Planning
SUBJECT: APPROVALOF ORDINANCE NO- AMENDING
SECTION 2.34.090 OF HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL
CODE PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
COUNCIL MEETING DATE: I January 7, 2003
RCA ATTACHMENTS STATUS
Ordinance (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Attached
Resolution (w/exhibits & legislative draft if applicable) Not Applicable
Tract Map, Location Map and/or other Exhibits Not Applicable
Contract/Agreement (w/exhibits if applicable)
(Signed in full by the City Attome Not Applicable
Subleases, Third Party Agreements, etc.
(Approved as to form by City Attorney) Not Applicable
Certificates of Insurance (Approved by the City Attorney) Not Applicable
Financial Impact Statement (Unbud et, over$5,000) Not Applicable
Bonds (If applicable) Not Applicable
Staff Report (if applicable) Not Applicable
Commission, Board or Committee Report (If applicable) Not Applicable
Findings/Conditions for Approval and/or Denial Not Applicable
EXPLANATION FOR MISSING ATTACHMENTS
REVIEWED RETURNED FORWARDED
Administrative Staff -
Assistant City Administrator Initial
City Administrator Initial
City Clerk
EXPLANATION FOR RETURN OF ITEM:
(Below • , For Only)
RCA Author: HZ:rl
-a �
Neighbors for Wintersburg Wetlands Restoration
17451 Hillgate,Huntington Beach, CA 92649-4707 - 714-625-0876 -www.bixby.org/parkside
PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR JANUARY 6, 2003 HB CITY COUNCIL MTG.
Hi, my name is Mark Bixby and I have a few comments regarding proposed ordinance No. 3600
in agenda item G-2b,which will reduce the regular Planning Commission meetings to once per
month with a provision to call additional special meetings as needed.
It's clear that the city just doesn't"get it"regarding the Brown Act, based on last September's
secret Parkside serial meetings,the recent distribution of incomplete and nine years stale Brown
Act information to the new Planning Commission, and now this new ordinance.
Brown Act Section 54956 says in part:
(quote) "A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the legislative
body of a local agency, or by a majority of the members of the legislative body..." (end quote)
But the new ordinance appears to reserve the right of calling special meetings only for the
Secretary of the Planning Commission, Howard Zelefsky, who is neither the presiding officer
i
nor a member of the Commission. Sorry,but the Brown Act does not allow this. The decision
of whether or not to call special meetings is reserved for either the Chairperson of the
Commission or a majority of the commissioners.
Regardless of who has the authority to call these special meetings, falling into the habit of
conducting frequent Commission business in this manner will deny Huntington Beach residents
the right of informed participation in the process. Instead of the 72 hours of advance notice for
regular meetings, special meetings only require 24 hours of advance notice, which:
• Might not make it into the next day's news if distributed to the news media at 5PM the
day before the meeting,
• Will only allow residents who finish their newspapers well after dinner to realize that
they just missed the meeting, and
• Simply does not allow enough time for residents to prepare informed public comments
between the time of the notice and the time of the meeting if complex issues are involved.
Lastly, I am very skeptical that the proposed ordinance will result in the promised $50,000
annual savings. Under both the current and proposed scheme,the total number of projects being
heard will be the same, the total amount of meeting time to hear the projects will be the same,the
total number of staff reports will be the same, and the total number of EIRs will be the same. So
where are the dramatic $50,000 savings if the same level of work is still going to be required?
z 0 V 9-
. : n.q
�� �� rA� �IC � e0 ;
Adding special meetings at the last minute could very well incur higher costs than regular
meetings. Last minute changes are inherently more expensive due to the disruptive impact they
have on regular staff activities.
The current situation of simply canceling meetings where there isn't enough to do would seem to
be pretty much equivalent in achieving the goal of avoiding unnecessary meetings. So what is
the true motivation for making this change?
In closing,the city needs to think about ways of increasing informed resident participation in the
government process,not reducing it. Please do not approve ordinance No. 3600 as currently
written.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Mark D. Bixby
Neighbors for Wintersburg Wetlands Restoration
17451 Hillgate Ln
Huntington Beach, CA 92649-4707
714-625-0876
mark@bixby.org
C, tf6 Ot,'61'A '
Estimated Cost Savings
Overtime 12 Meetings
Public Works *$24,000 - $401)000
Fire Dept.
City Attorney
Planning Staff
Other Staff
HBTV-3 Crew $21,220
Meals $21880
Planning Commission Stipend $43,200
Total Estimated Savings: $33,300 - $48,300
*Depends on lengtb of meeting and number of staff present.
o -
o
�6
1
e4k,
. el
-7q -
January 6, 2003 .Crl. C A
City of Huntington Beach
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
2000 Main Street, 4th Floor
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Subject: January 6`h City Council Agenda Item-- G2b Ordinance No. 3600
Changing Planning Commission Meetings to Once a Month
Dear Honorable Mayor and City Council Members:
I am writing to communicate my concerns regarding the subject Ordinance No. 3600
agendized for your consideration tonight. I am well aware of the need to look at all
available opportunities to cut costs given the State's budget deficit and the City's current
projection for less revenues. Nonetheless, I feel the proposed reduction from two
Planning Commission meetings a month to only one is premature and would not really
save as much as staff has projected.
I understand that the agendas have become lighter due to some streamlining that has
taken place over the past two years, but the City's processing time for those items that are
required to go to the Planning Commission still take an inordinate amount of time
compared to most any other city in Orange or Los Angeles counties. I have found that
most cities average about 60 days from submittal of a CUP application to the day it is
heard by the Planning Commission, here in Huntington it takes 4— 6 months or 2 to 3
times as long. Please refer to attached 2002 Planning Commission Filing and Hearing
Schedule for the City of Long Beach. This is far from optimal and just not business
friendly. The streamlining that has been implemented for the most part does not affect
the downtown area, so for example,every new restaurant tenant that wants to open up in
The Strand project will be required to go to the Planning Commission and with one less
meeting a month the current 4-6 months of processing will likely get even longer. Please
keep in mind that everyday a retail business or restaurant is not open results in the loss of
an opportunity to generate sales tax revenue as well.
Staff did not specifically outline in their report how $35,000 - $50,000 would be saved by
holding 10-12 less meetings, but it does seem like a rather high estimate at $3,500 -
$5,000 per meeting. Below I have made a semi-educated guess of the costs to have a
meeting and how said costs could be mitigated if need be. My estimates equate to a cost
of approximately $1,000 to hold a Planning Commission meeting, not counting staff
overtime which can be avoided as stated below.
a,i :d
888s92SbtiZ Wd31:WDa_� dbS:bO 2002-9-Nti!' i
Staff Salaries—I am told Planning staff does not get overtime,but other departments such
as Public Works do.
If this is the case,we should be more discerning about which staff attends and whether
each will be needed given what items are on the agenda. We could also look at holding
the meeting between gam—5pm to avoid all overtime costs. For example, Long Beach
holds their Planning Commission meetings at 1:30 pm every other Thursday.
HBTV 3—Approximately $200 per meeting according to HBTV 3 staff.
It seems pretty inexpensive, but if we needed to we could consider eliminating the
televising of the Planning Commission meetings all together.
Dinner for staff and commissioners- $240 per meeting
We could either eliminate dinners and/or have staff and commissioners pay all or part of
the cost.
Planning Commissioners Stipend - $50 per meeting totaling$350
Personally I didn't know Planning Commissioners received $50 per meeting when I
accepted an appointment, so although the time alone is well worth more than$501 would
not fight hard to maintain this stipend.
Printing and Mailing of Public Notifications—This cost is only marginally affected as
public notifications will not really be reduced just because we have less meetings,there
would likely just be more public hearings per meeting.
In summary, I strongly believe it would pennywise and pound foolish to reduce the
number of meetings at this time,we should instead maintain the current schedule with the
option to cancel a meeting should the agenda be determined to be very light. Eliminating
a meeting seems much easier than adding a"special meeting."
Thank you for your consideration on this issue.
Sincerely,
e-
Keith Bohr
Z'Z:d 1LSSTW_2:01 eeesg2SbtiL WU31:WONA dt7S:bO 2002-9-NUf
JAN-6-2003 05:06P FROM:TEAM 7145365989 TO:3741557 P:1/1
Page 1 of 3
PLANNING COMMISSION
FILING AND HEARING SCHEDULE
2002
Filing Notice Due Notice Mailed Report
Deadline Staff Meeting TAC Meeting Secretary# # Available P.C. Hearing
Tuesday) (Monday) (Wednesday) (Thursday) (Monday) (Friday) (Thursday)
10/9/01 10/22/01 10/31/01 11/15/01 11/19/01 11/30/01 12/6/01
10/23/01 11/5/01 11/14/01 11/29/01 12/3/01 12/14/01 12/20/01
11/6/01 11/19/01 11/28/01 12/13/01 12/17/01 12/28/01 1/3/02
11/20/01 12/3/01 12/12/01 12/27/01 12/31/01 1/11/02 1/17/02 '
12/11/01 12/24/01 1/2/02 1/17/02 1/22/02'* 2/1/02 2/7/02 `-
12/26/01 1/7/02 1/16/02 1/31/02 2/4/02 2/15/02 2/21/02
1/8/02 1/22/02** 1/30/02 2/14/02 2/19/02** 3/1/02 3/7/02
1/22/02 2/4/02 2/13/02 2/28/02 3/4/02 3/15/02 3/21/02 ,
2/5/02 2/19/02** 2/27/02 3/14/02 3/18/02 3/29/02 4/4/02
2/19/02 3/4/02 3/13/02 3/28/02 4/1/02 4/12/02 4/18/02
3/5/02 3/18/02 3/27/02 4/11/02 4/15/02 4/26/02 5/2/02
3/19/02 4/1/02 4/10/02 4/25/02 4/29/02 5/10/02 5/16/02
4/9/02 4/22/02 5/1/02 5/16/02 5/20/02 5/31/02 6/6/02
4/23/02 5/6/02 5/15/02 5/30/02 6/3/02 6/14/02 6/20/02
5/7/02 5/20/02 5/29/02 6/13/02 6/17/02 6/28/02 7/3/02**
5/21/02 6/3/02 6/12/02 6/27/02 7/1/02 7/12/02 7/18/02
6/4/02 6/17/02 6/26/02 7/11/02 7/15/02 7/26/02 8/1/02
6/18/02 7/1/02 7110/02 7/25/02 7/29/02 8/9/02 8/15/02
7/9/02 7/22/02 7/31/02 8/15/02 8/19/02 8/30/02 9/5/02
7/23/02 8/5/02 8/14/02 8/29/02 9/3/02** 9/13/02 9/19/02
8/6/02 8/19/02 8/28/02 9/12/02 9/16/02 9/27/02 10/3/02
8/20/02 9/3/02** 9/11/02 9/26/02 9/30/02 10/11/02 10/17/02
9/10/02 9/23/02 10/2/02 10/17/02 10/21/02 11/1/02 11/7/02
9/24/02 10/7/02 10/16/02 10/31/02 11/4/02 11/15/02 11/21/02
10/8/02 10/21/02 10/30/02 11/14/02 11/18/02 11/27/02** 12/5/02
10/22/02 11/4/02 11/13/02 11/27/02** 12/2/02 12/13/02 12/19/02
1115102 11/18/02 11/27/02 12/12/02 12/16/02 12/27/02 1/2/03
11/19/02 1212102 12/11/02 12/26/02 12/30/02 1/10/03 1/16/03
# For Staff Use Only
**Day of the week adjusted due to City Holiday
ALL FILING DEADLINES ARE AT 2:00 P.M. ON THE DATE
Lat� � r -
http://www.ci.long-beach.ca.us/plan/agendas/pc02schd.htm 1/6/2003
'T
RECENEDFFIOM Robert E. Dingwall
Ate WXA PARS OF THE ZMAT Im 5832 Raphael Drive
COUWL OFFICE OLEW Huntington Beach
CONnuE OX:KWAY,CRY CLWX Calif. 92649
ITEM 0 G - �\0 Tel. (714) 840-1811
E-Mail:
Contact-pro(i ,mindspringxom
January 6,2003
Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council,
I appear before you this evening to address Item G-2b of
your Agenda, relating to changing the Planning
Commission Bylaws.
Public perception plays a very large part in the
operation of Government.
Scores of people (mostly from the "Silent Sector")
worked very long and hard the get the present City
Council elected.
Many of us who took part in that activity are beginning
to become alarmed that the public's perception of local
government is changing.
Let us look at two of the factors that may very well be
causing this change.
STREAMLINEING
(Webster's Dictionary of the English Language)
"Planned in such a way that progress is made easy and
rapid as possible"
"Modernized and speeded up"
- 1 -
A=.. -...
SOUNDS GREAT ! !
Boy ! We sure need some of that !
Let us (for a moment), step back and take a long look at
Streamlining.
WHEN DESIGNING AND OPERATING :
Boats
Ships
Submarines
Aircraft
Automobiles
Streamlining is the only way to make them anywhere
near efficient.
IN PRIVATE INDUSTRY
Streamlining is good, very good
IN GOVERNMENT
(especially Local Government)
Streamlining is a double edged sword
One good
and
One very bad
In relation to local government's work force, a certain
amount of streamlining is good and should be
mandatory.
-2-
BUT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF CAUTION IS CALLED FOR
The atmosphere and conditions under which the
workforce operates MUST BE absolutely free of undue
political pressures, both, internal and.external.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS ESTABLISHED TO
ADMINISTER THE PUBLIC'S BUSINESS
AND
THE PUBLIC'S TAX MONEY
How are these items:
1. Workforce atmosphere
2. Public's Business
3. Public's Tax Money
Effected by Streamlining ?
Howe does one Streamline local government"?
I. From the Workforce standpoint.
The Administration should provide:
A: A reasonable Wage.
B. A pleasant, politics free"atmosphere.
C. Modern up to date.tools & equipment.
2. From.the Administrator's standpoint.
A. Diminish or remove all independent thought
and/or opposing .viewpoint.
B. Reduce or remove all Public Participation in
the administration of the Public's Business
and/or the Public's Tax Money.
7J
Question:
How does one diminish independent thought and/or
opposing viewpoint ?
Ans:
Remove subordinates from the Civil Service and put
them under a "Personal Service Contract" to the top
(none elected) Administrator.
This also diverts the loyalty of those members from the
Community and its Citizens to the holder of their
"Service Contract".
Who would disagree with or oppose the person who
holds their "Service Contract".
Question:
Howe does one reduce or remove the Public's
Participation in the administration of the Public's
Business ?
Ans:
Slowly and deliberately move more and more items and
processes from appointed boards and commissions
(that by law must operate in the public purview ) to an
administrative office that operates outside the public
view.
-4-
Question:
How does one inject internal politics into the workforce
atmosphere
Ans:
When the senior members of a department are removed
from the civil service and placed under a "Personal
Service Contract" with the Senior (non elected)
Administrator, their loyalty is diverted to the holder of
that contract:
• Not the Community
• Not the Citizens of the Community
• Not the Public
• Not the other members of the workforce
MORAL QUICKLY SINKS TO THE LOWEST LEVELS
THE. RALPH M. BROWN ACT
The Brown Act was passed many years ago. Specifically
to control how local governments go about conducting
the Public's Business.
The Brown Act is not static, it is dynamic, in that it is
constantly being changed by both the State Legislature
and the Courts.
The public's perception is*that the City of Huntington
Beach is CONSISTENTLY AND DELIBERATELY violating
the currant (year 2002) version of the Brown Act, by
insisting that they follow a nine (9).year old version of
the act (even though they have been informed and
provided.copies of the latest version).
(7)' F
Later this evening, you will hear more about the Brown
Act and the specific sections that are about to be
violated.
These are but two (2) of the reasons why the public is
becoming quite suspect of out local government:
STREAMLINING
REFUSAL TO ABIDE BY THE BROWN ACT
There are more !
Let me close by saying:
I find it more and more difficult each day
to disagree with this burgeoning new
Public Perception.
Thank You.
-----------------------------------------------
Robert E. Dingwall
CoundUAgency Meeting Held:
Deferred/Continued to:
❑Approved ❑ Conditionally Approved ❑ Denied I City Cleric's Signature
Council Meeting Date: January 7, 2003 Departrnent ID Number. PL03-02
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
REQUEST FOR ACTION ti
pp r '
n _
SUBMITTED TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS _-
SUBMITTED BY: RAY SILVER, City Administrator OZ4J
PREPARED BY: HOWARD ZELEFSKY, Director of Planning
OrCL. Me. 3(000
SUBJECT: APPROVE ORDINANCE NO.3:orAMENDING THE HUNTINGTON
BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTION 2.34.090
RELATING TO PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
StatertKnt of Issue,Funding Source,Recommended Action,Altemadve Action(s),Analysis,EnvvonrnenW Status,Attachment(s)
Statement of Issue:
In an effort to reduce costs and streamline development processing, the Planning staff is
recommending that the City Council amend Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach
Municipal Code to reduce the number of required Planning Commission meetings from twice
monthly to once a month or as needed.
Funding Source: Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
A. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Motion to:
1. "Approve Ordinance No. 60n , an Ordinance of the City of Huntington Beach amending the
Huntington Beach Municipal Code by amending Section No. 2.34.090 relating to Planning
Commission Bylaws (ATTACHMENT NO. 1)°.
6 - zb
...
REQUEST FOR --'%C71ON
MEETING DATE: January 7, 2003 DE?:aRTMENT ID NUMBER: PL03-02
B. STAFF ANALYSIS.-
For the past two years the Planning Commission has seen a significant reduction in the
number and length of its meetings. This can be attributed to two key factors which influence
Planning Commission scheduling. First, in 2001 the City Council approved a
comprehensive amendment to the City's Zoning Code which shifted the review of a variety of
items from the Planning Commission to the Zoning Administrator or Staff. The City Council
also approved specific plans which provided distinct development standards that relieved a
property owner from Planning Commission review if they complied with the standards
adopted by the City Council.
The second factor influencing Planning scheduling is the natural evolution of buildout of the
City. Simply stated, there is less land available for development. Future land use changes
will primarily be focused on rehabilitation of existing properties.
As a result of these changes, we have canceled ten (10) meetings in the past two years.
Many of the remaining meetings have been limited to one or two minor items. We believe
that one meeting a month that is three hours long is more efficient than two meetings per
month that last only an hour and a half. By implementing this simple modification, we
estimate the City will save between $35,000 and $50,000 annually. However, it should be
noted that the Planning Commission or Secretary to the Planning Commission will always
have the discretion to add a meeting if it is warranted.
General Fund Savings: $35,000 to $50,000 annually.
Environmental Status: Not applicable.
Attachment(s):
City C
P. . - NumberDescription Ordinance No. 6 0 0
RCA Author: Howard Zelefsky
rl
ATTACHMENT # 1
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
AMENDING THE HUNTINGTON BEACH hIL?tICIPAL CODE BY A1hIENDING
SECTION 2.34.090 RELATING TO PLANNING COMMISSION BYLAWS
WHEREAS, pursuant to its bylaws, the City Planning Commission generally holds two
meetings each month, which are usually scheduled dtli-ina evening hours on the second and
fourth Tuesdays; and
Due to budget reductions, the City Council desires to chanae the meeting schedule of the
City Planning Commission to one meeting per month.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby
ordain as follows:
SECTION 1. That Section 2.34.090 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby
amended to read as follows:
2.34.090 Bvlaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such
bylaws and rules as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their
method of selection, time and place of meetings and for other such matters
relative to its work and administration of its duties which are not otherwise
provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold its
regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If the
second Tuesday of a month is a holiday, the regular meeting for that month
shall be held on the following day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Secretary of the Planning Commission may call a special meeting of the
Planning Commission at any such time as deemed necessary or convenient.
i
l t
PDA:2002 ordinances:Planning,Commission Mectin2s
♦ice . ��W
SECTION 2. That this ordinance shall beco,:_c e ective Lmrty ( 0) da�,s after its
adoption.
PASSED Ah1D ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a
regular meeting thereof held on January 6, 2003.
Mayor
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORM:
City Clerk ity Attoriiev
ATTEST: APPROVED AS TO FORK
City A nistrator Di for of Planning
ri
2
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
RLS 2002-0681
LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2.34.090 Bvlaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such bylaws and rules
as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their method of selection, time and place of
meetings and for other such matters relative to its work and administration of its duties which are
not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold
its regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If
the second Tuesday of a month is a holiday, the regular meeting for that
month shall be held on the following day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Secretary of the Planning Commission may call a special meeting of the
Planning Commission at any such time as deemed necessary or convenient.
5
3 �s
PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings
U rb,✓ "
V"U LEGISLATIVE DRAFT
2.34.090 Bylaws and Meetings. The Planning Commission shall adopt such bylaws and rules
as it deems necessary to provide for its officers and their method of selection,time and place of
meetings and for other such matters relative to its work and administration of its duties which are
not otherwise provided for by statute or ordinance. The Planning Commission shall hold
its regular meeting once each month, on the second Tuesday of each month. If
i
the second Tuesday of a month is a holiday, the regular meeting for that
month shall be held on the following day. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Secretary of the Planning Commissio may call a special meeting of the
Planning Commission at any such time s deemed necessary or convenient.
LO
<PDA:2002 Ordinances:Planning Commission Meetings 3
RLS 2002-0681
BYLAWS
CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH
PLANNING COMMISSION
Section 1. TITLE. Pursuant to Article 900 of the Huntington Beach Ordinance
Code, the official title of this Commission shall be"Planning Commission of the City of
Huntington Beach," which may also be referred to as the"Huntington Beach Planning
Commission," "City Planning Commission" or"Planning Commission."
Section 2. OFFICERS. The officers of this Commission shall be a Chairman and
Vice-Chairman who shall be elected by majority vote of the Commission and shall hold
office for a period of one year and until their successors are elected. In the event of a
vacancy, a member of the Commission shall be elected to serve the balance of the
unexpired term of the Chairman or Vice Chairman. An election of officers shall be held as
soon as practical following the first day of January of every year. The elected Chairman
and Vice Chairman shall assume office immediately following said election. No person
shall occupy the office of Chairman or Vice Chairman for more than two consecutive
terms. The Director of Community Development or his designee shall serve as Secretary
of the Commission.
Section 3. DUTIES OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAERMAN. The Chairman
shall preside at the meetings of the Commission and in case of his absence or inability to
act, the Vice Chairman shall act, and in the absence of both the Chairman and Vice
Chairman, the Commission shall appoint a Chairman pro tempore who shall have all the
powers and duties of the Chairman or Vice Chairman and shall serve only until such time
as the Chairman or Vice Chairman returns and is able to act. The Chairman shall have the
power to make or second any motion, to present and discuss any matters, and vote,
notwithstanding the fact that they are the presiding officer of the Commission.
The Chairman, or his/her designee shall be available to meet with the mayor, or
his/her designee at least quarterly to discuss issues common the City Council and Planning
Commission; and
When there is a majority vote of the Planning Commission, the Chairman or his/her
designee shall attend City Council meetings when a Planning Commission item has been
appealed to the City Council, or when a Planning Commission decision on an item differs
from staff s recommendation.
Section 4. DUTIES OF THE SECRETARY. It shall be the duty of the Secretary
to keep a full and true record of all proceedings of the Commission, schedule matters for
hearing and consideration by the Commission, notify members of meetings and perform
such other duties required by statute, law or the Commission. In case of absence of the
Secretary, an Acting Secretary, appointed by the Secretary, shall act, and in the absence of
both Secretary and Acting Secretary, the Chairman shall appoint a Secretary pro tempore
who for such period shall have all the powers and duties of the Secretary and serve only
until such time as the Secretary or Acting Secretary returns and is able to act.
Section 5. ADVISORS. The Chairman may, with consent of the Commission,
request the attendance at Planning Commission meetings of any officer or employee of the
City to assist the Commission in its deliberations in an advisory capacity.
1 (k1120a)
June 13, 1995
Section 6. MEETINGS.
(a) Open Meetings. All meetings of the Commission shall be open and public.
(b) Regular Meetings. Regular meetings shall be held on the second and fourth
Tuesday of each month at the hour of 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers of the Civic
Center.
(c) Ad-ournment. Any meeting may be adjourned to a date certain which may be
specified in the order of adjournment. A copy of the order or notice of adjournment shall
be conspicuously posted on or near the door of the place where the regular, adjourned
regular, special or adjourned special meeting was held within the twenty-four (24) hours
after the time of the adjournment. The Commission shall not begin any public hearing
item after 11:00 PM unless the Commission, by majority vote, so agrees. In the event the
date for a regular meeting falls on a legal holiday, such meeting date shall be deemed to be
the day following such holiday. In the event the date of a regular meeting follows the date
of a regular City Council meeting and such Council meeting falls on a legal holiday,
thereby requiring such Council meeting to be postponed to the following day, the date of
the regular Commission meeting shall be deemed to be the day after the holding of the
postponed Council meeting.
(d) Special Meetine. A special meeting may be called at any time by the
Chairman, or by a majority of the members, by mailing or personally delivering written
notice to each member of the Commission, and to each local newspaper of general
circulation, radio and television station requesting notice in writing. Such notice must be
delivered personally or by mail at least twenty-four (24) hours before the time of such
meeting, as specified in the notice. The call and notice shall specify the time and place of
the special meeting, and the business to be transacted. No other business shall be
considered at such meeting. Such written notice may be dispensed with as to any member
who, at or prior to the time the meeting convenes, files with the Secretary of the Planning
Commission a written waiver of notice. Such waiver may be given by telegram. Such
written notice may also be dispensed with as to any member who is actually present at the
meeting at the time it convenes.
Section 7. ATTENDANCE. Regular attendance at meetings of the Planning
Commission is required of all members to enable the Commission to discharge the duties
imposed upon it by law. In the event a member is absent from two or more consecutive
regular meetings, without securing the consent of the Chairman, upon majority vote, the
Commission shall request the City Council to remove the member and appoint a new
member to fill the unexpired term.
Section 8. QUORUM. At any meeting of the Planning Commission, a majority of
said Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. In the event
there is no quorum at a Commission meeting, the Secretary shall adjourn such meeting or
shall adjourn to a date certain.
Section 9. ORDER OF BUSINESS. The order of business for a regular or special
meeting shall be:
(a) Call to order by the Chairman.
(b) Consideration of matters on the agenda.
(c) Any other business which may properly come before the Commission.
2 (k1120a)
June 13, 1995
Section 10. PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE. The parliamentary rules
contained in the current revision of Robert's Rules of Order shall, in general, govern the
proceedings of this Commission. The Chairman shall decide all questions of order, subject
to appeal by the Commission, and all appeals shall be decided by a majority vote of the
members present. The Chairman shall vote on all matters coming before the Commission
whether there is a tie vote or not. No member may vote at a meeting by proxy, or by any
method other than being personally present and casting his vote. Every member present
shall vote on all questions. The result of any vote shall be audibly announced by the
Secretary and recorded in the minutes as the vote of the Commission. Any member
present who disqualifies himself for any reason from voting upon any question shall state
his reasons for so doing. If a member disqualifies himself or abstains because of the
requirements of the Political Reform Act, they shall so state. The Secretary shall enter any
disqualification and the grounds therefore in the minutes of the meeting. A member who
has disqualified himself shall not be required to vote upon the question on which they have
disqualified himself, and his failure to vote shall be recorded as an abstention.
No application, resolution or code amendment shall be deemed approved or denied
without an affirmative vote of four(4) members of the Planning Commission either for
approval or denial. An affirmative vote of a majority of the members present and voting
shall be required for the passage of any other matter.
In the event the required affirmative vote is not cast, the matter shall be continued
to the next regular meeting or to a date certain, agreed to by a majority of the
Commissioners present. If at the continued meeting the matter again fails to receive four
(4) affirmative votes, either for approval or denial, the matter will be deemed denied.
Section 11. CHANGES IN BYLAWS. A majority vote of all members entitled to
vote shall be required to amend these bylaws. Copies of a proposed amendment shall be
given to each member at a regular meeting, or shall be mailed to each member at least five
days prior to a meeting, and may then be voted upon at the next regular meeting.
Section 12. ADOPTION. APPROVED AND ADOPTED ON THE 23rd day of
May, 1995, as an amendment to the Bylaws of the Planning Commission of the City of
Huntington Beach, adopted May 3, 1994, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Livengood, Biddle, Gorman, Kerins, Tillotson, Speaker
NOES: None
ABSENT: Holden
ABSTAIN: None
ATTES
— /
Howya Zelefsky retary Gary G rman, Chairman
Planning Commission
/kjl
3 (k1120a)
June 13, 1995