I am privileged to serve on my city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. I have been doing so for four and a half years. But service without typical meetings is challenging. And while we don’t have a choice, I think the public is not well served.

We meet using Zoom

We use the Zoom technology, which works reasonably well. But occasional issues develop depending upon the Internet connection and equipment at individual members’ homes. We also face issues with public comment. Rather than individuals coming to our meetings, they only can submit letters that are read into the record.

A couple of meetings ago….

At a recent meeting, we were faced with approving an initial plan for a more than 1,000-acre development along our precious river frontage. A development of this size poses environmental issues. It also will undoubtedly disrupt the lives of the residents who already live in the area. The project will generate more traffic as well.

The dilemma

The problem was that the development was outside the city limits but would seek annexation. Annexation would ensure protections to the surrounding neighborhoods since the new development would have to follow city regulations. Without annexation, the development would have few standards since it would be unincorporated area.

So it made sense

So, of course it made sense to allow the development within the city limits. But it was a shame that those interested and those whose property is impacted could not come to a public meeting to discuss this and fully hear the meeting in person. The people impacted will have another chance to plead their case when this goes before the city council, which also is meeting via Zoom.

Technical difficulties

Our issue was exacerbated by various technical difficulties as we each tried to attend the meeting on Zoom using our own computers or ones borrowed from the city. There were speaker difficulties on these devices and some people (me included) were interrupted by family coming in and out of the room.

Land development code

At the meeting this week we were dealing with important changes to the city’s Land Development Code. These also will be recommendations to the city council.

But the problem again was technical difficulties, resulting in one commissioner disappearing from the meeting altogether and another driving to city hall to access a more stable computer.

Adjourning the meeting

The difficulties resulted in the chair’s wise decision to delay final action on the code amendments until a later meeting.

Who knows?

We have no idea when we can get back to more regular meetings. Perhaps we can meet in a larger location than the council chamber at city hall where we can sit farther apart. This could also allow the public to speak in an open forum. This isn’t anyone’s fault. But this is a sad and sorry way to conduct the public’s business.