Planning Commission Bylaws Still Delayed

Approval of a change to the Ann Arbor city planning commission’s bylaws has again been postponed by the city council at its Feb. 3, 2014 meeting.

The changes relate to the order of agenda items, and the length of time required for special accommodations. The change would require additional lead time so that special accommodations, including a sign language interpreter, can be made for people with disabilities, when requested at least two business days in advance of a meeting. The current bylaws specify just a one-day advance request.

The planning commission had given approval to changes in its bylaws about six months ago – at its July 16, 2013 meeting.

The bylaws changes were considered but postponed twice by the city council last year – first at the council’s Nov. 7, 2013 meeting, then at the Dec. 16, 2013 meeting. [.pdf of planning commission bylaws changes]

The council had held off voting to approve the bylaws changes as the planning commission has considered further revisions to its bylaws – related to the number of times someone can speak during a public hearing, and whether city councilmembers are allowed to address the planning commission during the commission’s meetings.

At a regular meeting of the planning commission, the additional revisions were discussed most recently on Nov. 6, 2013. The additional changes were also discussed at a planning commission working session on Jan. 7. The item is on the agenda for a Feb. 4 planning commission working session.

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron.