Introduce by title only, waive first reading, and receive public comment on an ordinance amending provisions of the Yolo County Code relating to the appointment of Planning Commissioners. (No general fund impact) (Pogledich)

1. Introduce by title only, waive first reading, and receive public comment on an ordinance amending provisions of the Yolo County Code relating to the appointment of Planning Commissioners; and
    
2. Continue the ordinance to the next regularly scheduled meeting on December 13, 2016 for waiver of a second reading and consideration for adoption. 

Thriving Residents
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At the conclusion of an October 25 agenda item relating to Planning Commission appointments, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to prepare an ordinance with the following changes:

• Eliminate language that restricts the appointment of “at large” Commissioners (two of the seven seats) residing in incorporated cities and otherwise tends to preclude city residents from holding an at large seat on the Planning Commission; and
• Allow a supervisor to nominate a resident living outside of his/her supervisorial district for a vacant district seat on the Planning Commission.

The attached ordinance (Attachment A) responds to Board direction.  Attachment B to this Board letter identifies (in redline format) the specific changes made to the existing County Code to implement these changes. 

Consistent with the Board’s direction, the new and revised provisions do not express any preference regarding the background or experience of at large Commissioners.  This ensures the Board will have full discretion to appoint the most highly qualified individuals while also considering background, experience, and other issues as appropriate to ensure the Planning Commission is balanced and effective.  The additional change with regard to district nominees (allowing cross-district appointments) helps to reinforce this approach.

This item was prepared in consultation with the Clerk of the Board.