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TO: Tom Anderson
Community Development Department
Planning Division Building Safety Division Environmental Health Division
117 NW Lafayette Avenue Bend Oregon 97701-1925
(541)388-6575 FAX (541)385-1764
http://www.co.deschutes.or.us/cdd/
MEMORANDUM
FROM: Terri Hansen Payne, Senior Planner
Catherine Morrow, Planning Director
DATE: April 29, 2008
SUBJECT: Planning Commission
DESCHUTES COUNTY PLANNING COMMISSION
Four members of the seven member Planning Commission have terms that expire on June 30,
2008.
Brenda Pace (Bend) Term began July 1, 2002
Susan Quatre (At Large) Term began April 12, 2006
Kelly L Smith (At Large) Term began April 12, 2006
Robert Otteni (South County) Term began July 26, 2006
Kelly Smith has indicated he does not wish to be reappointed.
Planning Commissioners can serve for two four year terms or ten years, whichever is greater.
Historically, when a Planning Commissioner term expires and they are eligible to be
reappointed, that has been done automatically. Recently the Board directed that staff require
the Planning Commissioners to reapply for their positions and go through the recruitment
process along with other applicants.
Staff has a few concerns with this requirement.
1. The Planning Commissioners donate considerable time to assisting the County on land use
matters and it appears disrespecfful to require them to reapply.
2. The Planning Commission functions best when there are experienced members and some
may choose not to reapply.
3. It is a challenge to find people willing to volunteer the time, energy and skills necessary to
review and analyze complex land use matters.
4. It takes considerable staff time and resources to recruit.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
At the last recruitment in early 2008, the Board interviewed two capable candidates. The choice
was made based on the importance of geographical representation for the open Redmond area
position. The other candidate was from the Bend area and the Board indicated they would like
to see him appointed.
Quality Services Performed with Pride
1. Offer the position held by Kelly Smith to Merle Irvine
The Planning Commission terms have gotten skewed over the years. There should not be four
commissioners with terms expiring at the same time.
2. The Board could direct staff to look at the code to determine how to remedy that issue.
The current Planning Commissioners have experience and knowledge that is valuable.
3. Staff recommends that the Board reappoint Commissioners Pace, Quatre and Otteni
DECISION
If the Board prefers to recruit for all positions, staff will need time to initiate the new recruitment.
A timely decision will ensure that the Planning Commission maintains full membership.
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