Proposal calls for video, phone appearances by P&Z commissioners

City seeks volunteers for board

Members of the Yuma Planning and Zoning Commission might soon be able to appear remotely at meetings by phone or video. With two openings on the board, the commission has had to cancel five meetings due to a lack of quorum since 2016.

“This often results in a delay in proposed projects which may create unforeseen issues for the property and/or business owner,” a staff report explained.

A proposed code text amendment that would allow members of the commission the opportunity to participate by phone or video was introduced at the city council meeting on Aug. 2. However, the commissioners could only appear by phone or video during regularly scheduled meetings at City Hall, which has the technical setup for video or phone appearances.

“It is intended that with the adoption of this amendment, the number of continuances (of meetings) will drastically decrease,” the staff report added.

Community Development Director Laurie Lineberry said that the wording has been modeled after the council’s resolution for the same situation.

The staff recommendation was for no more than two video or phone appearances a year per commissioner, however, Deputy Mayor Gary Knight suggested that the number be extended to three. “Anything that would increase attendance so we don’t have to delay planning and zoning meetings. I think three per year would be totally acceptable to me,” Knight said.

Councilman Bill Craft said he was concerned that these opportunities would be abused, so he liked the limit.

The proposed text amendment will probably go before the council for consideration of adoption at the next meeting, which is scheduled for Aug. 16.

Mayor Doug Nicholls has been encouraging Yuma residents to step up and serve “as the citizenry’s voice” on one of the city’s boards and commissions.

Boards and commissions are made up of volunteers appointed by the council. Potential candidates must file a Boards and Commissions application with the City Clerk’s Office on the first floor of City Hall. Appointees are selected based on education, work experience and civic involvement as listed on the application.

“Our boards and commissions help guide the council. They get engaged in the community and help us understand the issues in a broader sense,” Nicholls said. “We currently have openings for new members, so if you have an interest in serving the community, particularly if it’s a subject matter you have a passion about or extensive knowledge in, I encourage you to apply.”

Current vacancies include one position each on the Community Tree Board, Design and Historic Review Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Merit System Board, and Water and Sewer Commission.

Two positions each are available on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Clean and Beautiful Commission, and Residential Advisory Board. Four positions are available on the Workers’ Compensation Trust Board.

Any person who lives within Yuma’s city limits may serve on a board or commission; however, several boards of a more technical nature require one or more members to have specific technical expertise.

Formal appointment occurs at a regularly scheduled council meeting.