ASHTABULA — City Council tackled the job of getting the city planning commission back on its feet at Monday night’s work session.
Council, city officials and two members of the planning commission discussed the situation for nearly an hour.
Talking points included:
n Problems getting a quorum at meetings;
n The need to appoint two more members;
n Rescheduling meetings, and
n Assigning someone to be responsible for the minutes.
“The planning commission is a very, very important board,” Clerk of Council LaVette Hennigan said, noting it’s vital to economic development of the city.
The minutes are not being transcribed in a timely fashion, she said.
Hennigan always seems to be involved in the board’s business — receiving phone calls, etc. — even though she shouldn’t have to be involved until the minutes come to her. She suggested she be responsible for the minutes for an annual stipend.
“I’m ready to take it on,” Hennigan said.
Council then discussed who performed the duties in the past. After more than 30 minutes of sometimes heated exchanges, City Solicitor Michael Franklin said it’s really up to the planning commission.
The planning commission should make a recommendation to council, not the other way around, he said.
Planning Commission secretary Chad Giangola said he is committed to his job and has been doing the minutes.
“The minutes are always done ... but not real timely,” he said. “We are doing our job.”
Giangola then asked Franklin several questions about planning commission rules and procedure. He then invited Franklin to the next meeting.
“We’re a great group of people but we need direction,” Giangola said.
Franklin said he would be happy to attend.
The city’s economic development director, Alicia McFarland, said her concern is that meetings are being canceled for a lack of a quorum and then not being rescheduled.
Business owners, such as John Ginnard of the eComm Cafe on Main Avenue, have big plans for the city, but the planning commission becomes a road block. Ginnard, for example, wants to open an alley cafe, McFarland said.
Planning Commission president Sue Hewins said it’s difficult to get a quorum when two seats on the commission are vacant and have been for some time.
Council vice president Betty Kist promised council and the city manager would fill those spots.
Franklin explained the various ways the commission could fulfill its quorum requirements, according to city charter.
City Manager Anthony Cantagallo said the planning commission has to be a smooth, functioning organization with all the things going on in the city now. “Now is the time to rectify it,” he said.
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