Davis

It is extremely important for various city advisory commissions to be able to weigh in on development proposals. This allows the opportunity for greater public input, so that city planning is closer to what Davis citizens both need and want.

Until now, commission involvement in development proposals has generally been the bare minimum required. Left out of the loop and never consulted were many commissions having an important stake in any decisions made. The result has been some embarrassing defeats of development proposals for any variety of reasons; tremendous frustration on the part of all parties concerned; and less than optimum planning.

Fortunately, at the April 27 council meeting, Lamar Heystek pushed for clearer language in a recommended resolution on commission review of development proposals. Because of his strong leadership on this issue, the resolution in part will now read: ÒCity staff in a timely manner will refer (a development) proposal to the appropriate commissions for review.Ó

Even though City Manager Bill Emlen promised to do better in this regard than has occurred in the past, the new language is essential. It specifically directs city staff to bring development proposals to appropriate commissions first, with enough lead time for sufficient deliberation. Only then are development proposals to be forwarded on to City Council for its final determination.

This should stop the troublesome practice of either: 1) developers not being allowed to present their ideas to appropriate commissions before City Council review; and/or 2) appropriate commissions not being permitted to give meaningful opinions on particular development proposals.

It also should be noted Òthe Finance and Budget Commission also will review fiscal and budgetary implications of development proposals.Ó This should halt the problematic routine of approving a development proposal without seriously considering all its fiscal impacts on the current residents of Davis.

I am pleased to observe the revised recommended resolution on commission review of development proposals was passed by the City Council that evening on a unanimous vote. My thanks to the City Council for doing the right thing with one voice.

Elaine Roberts Musser

Davis

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