2024-01-25 - Agenda PacketSpokane
jValleyx
Notice and Agenda For Special Meeting
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Thursday, January 25, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Remotely via ZOOM meeting and In Person at:
Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E Sprague Avenue
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special Spokane Valley Planning Commission meeting will be held January 25, 2024,
beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E
Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, Washington. The purpose of the meeting is to consider the items listed below on the
Agenda.
NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Planning Commission meetings in -person at City Hall at the
address provided above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or
via Zoom as described below:
Public comments will only be accented for those items noted on the agenda as "Public comment" or "Public hearing."
If making a comment via Zoom, comments must be received by 4:00 pm, the day of the meeting. Please email
planning(i4pokanevalley.org or call the Planning Commission Secretary at 509-720-5112 to be added to the Zoom
speaker list. Otherwise, comments will be taken in -person at the meeting, as noted on the agenda below:
LINK TO ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:
httus://sl2okanevaligy.zoom.us/i/86262747051
US: +12532158782„ 86262747051# or+16699006833„86262747051# US
US: +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
Meeting ID: 862 6274 7051
AGENDA:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: December 14, 2023
6. COMMISSION REPORTS
7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
8. PUBLIC COMMENT: This is an opportunityjar the public to speak on any subject except items listed as public comment
opportunity or public hearing as comments will be taken when those items appear on the agenda.
9. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Motion Consideration: Planning Commission Rules Of Procedure Amendment (Presented By Tony Beattie)
Public Comment Opportunity
10. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
11. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Centerplace Regional Event Center
December 14, 2023
I. Planning Commission Chairman Granrath called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The meeting was
held in person and via ZOOM meetings.
H. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge Of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took attendance, and the following members and staff
were present:
Susan Delucchi
Kelly Konkright, City Attorney
Val Dimitrov
Chaz Bates, Planning Manager
Karl Granath
Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Walt Haneke
Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
Bob McKinley
Nancy Miller
Dan Wilson
IV. AGENDA: Vice -Chairman Haneke moved, and it was seconded to approve the meeting agenda for
December 14, 2023, as submitted. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in
favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Vice -Chairman Haneke moved, and it was seconded, to approve the November 9, 2023,
minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero
against, one abstention, and the motion passed. Commissioner McKinley abstained from the vote
because he did not attend the meeting.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Delucchi reported that she attended the Spokane
Valley Housing and Homelessness meeting. She stated that it was a good plan and was a very well-
done meeting. Commissioner Granath stated that the meetings on December 28, 2023, and January
11, 2024, will be cancelled. Commissioner Granrath also reported that he was hired by the City of
Spokane to be their new hearing examiner. Due to a conflict of interest, he resigned his position on
the Planning Commission.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Chaz Bates reminded the Planning
Commission that the submittal deadline for the open Planning Commission positions available was
December 22, 2023. He also noted that the Planning Commission will have two comprehensive plan
amendments to review during 2024.
12A-2023 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 2
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Findings of Fact: CTA-2023-0004 — Planning Commission Meeting Rules
Planning Manager Chaz Bates provided a brief overview of the Findings of Fact for CTA-2023-
0004, explaining how they formalize the Commission's recommendations made after receiving
public comment during the public hearing and Planning Commission deliberations.
Vice -Chair Haneke moved, and it was seconded to approve the Findings of Fact for CTA-2023-0004
as submitted. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against,
and the motion passed.
M GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Delucchi suggested removing the second regularly
scheduled meeting in November and December and the first meeting in January in the policy and
procedures for the Planning Commission. Commissioner Haneke suggested making the appointment
to the Planning Commission during the month of December instead of January. He also stated that
he has greatly enjoyed being on the Planning Commission. Commissioner McKinley commented
that Commissioners Granath, Miller, and Haneke will be very missed on the Commission and that
he has enjoyed working with them. Chairman Granath stated that the current Commission has been
great to work with and he is very sad to leave. He thanked all the Commissioners for volunteering to
help make the City a good place to live.
Planning Manager Chaz Bates stated that the City is hoping to have the January 25, 2024, Planning
Commission meeting at City Hall in the Council Chambers. He also thanked the Commissioners for
all of their service and dedication to the Planning Commission.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner McKinley moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting
at 6: 25 p. m. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
Karl Granath, Chairman Date Signed
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Planning Commission Action
Meeting Date: January 25, 2024
Item: Check all that apply ❑ old business ® new business ❑ public hearing
❑ information ❑ study session ❑ pending legislation
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: SVMC 18.10.030
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTION: Planning Commission approved and forwarded updated Rules
of Procedure to City Council on June 8, 2023, which were adopted by City Council on June 20, 2023 per
Resolution 23-008.
BACKGROUND: City Hall Remediation work is currently underway in the Council Chambers. In order
to accommodate the work in 2023, it was necessary to temporarily relocate the regular meetings of the
Planning Commission to CenterPlace.
Historically, the Planning Commission has included the date, time, and location of its meetings in its Rules
of Procedure. The proposed amendments to the Planning Commission Rules of Procedure included in this
amendment change the location of the regular meetings from CenterPlace Regional Event Center, 2426 N.
Discovery Place, Spokane Valley, Washington back to City Hall 10210 E. Sprague Ave. Spokane Valley,
WA 99206. The dates and times of the meetings remains the same, the second and fourth Thursday of each
month beginning at 6:00 p.m. This change will benefit the public by increasing efficiency of Commission
business and will alleviate staff time associated with setting special meetings. For those reasons, it is being
recommended that the general rule regarding holding a study session be waived.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: (1) Move to waive the rules and approve and forward the
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure as amended to City Council for adoption; or (2) take other action
as deemed appropriate.
STAFF CONTACT: Kelly Konkright, City Attorney; Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS: Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment
RPCA Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 1 of I
City of Spokane Valley
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure
Adopted by Planning Commission 02-19-05
Revised by Resolution 10-004, 02-09-2010
Revised by Resolution 11-010, 11-29-2011
Revised by Resolution 12-006, 10-30-2012
Revised by Resolution 20-003, 03-24-2020
Revised by Resolution 23-008, 06-20-2023
Revised by Resolution 24-*** **-**-2024
On r••�n1ppgD , 252024, these Revised Rules of Procedure were adopted by the Planning
Commission, pending approval of City Council.
ORGANIZATION AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
1. Name
The "City of Spokane Valley Planning Commission," hereinafter referred to as the "Commission" is an
advisory body created by the City Council for purposes consistent with chapter 18.10 of the Spokane Valley
Municipal Code (SVMC).
2. Location
The Commission meetings shall be held at GenteWlaee Regi, nal Event Centel 2426 N. r,:..eeye-., Plitee
City Hall Council Chamber, 10210 E. Sprague Avenue, Spokane Valley, WA,
unless otherwise identified in the notice of meeting.
3. Officers
A. Unless otherwise required by a vacancy in office, the Commission shall organize every year in
accordance with chapter 18.10 SVMC.
B. Officers of the Commission shall be elected from its membership; the officers shall be Chair and
Vice Chair.
C. Commission members must have served at least one full calendar year to be eligible to be elected
as an Officer.
D. The Chair shall preside over the Commission meetings and exercise all powers incidental to the
office, retaining however, the full right as a member of the Commission to propose motions, second
motions, and have a vote recorded on all matters of the Commission.
E. In the absence of the Chair from any meeting, the Vice -Chair shall perform all the duties incumbent
upon the Chair, and retain the full right as a member of the Commission in the same manner as the
Chair.
4. Secretary of the Commission
A. The City Manager shall assign a Secretary to the Commission.
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 1 of 8
B. The Secretary shall provide for a recording of all Commission meetings, including public hearings,
and shall ensure that summary minutes of all public hearings and meetings are prepared, approved,
and filed in the public record.
C. The Secretary shall conduct and record a roll call of the Commission members at each meeting,
public hearing and study session.
5. Attendance:
A. Excused Absences: Members of the Commission may be excused from meetings with
notification to the Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary or Building Official, prior to the meeting,
and by stating the reason for the inability to attend. Following or prior to roll call, the
Presiding Officer shall inform the Commission of the member's absence, and inquire if
there is a consent motion to excuse the member. The motion shall be non -debatable. Upon
consent by a majority of members present, the absent member shall be considered excused
and the Secretary shall make an appropriate notation in the minutes.
B. Unexcused Absences: A Commissioner's responsibility to attend Commission meetings
should not be taken lightly, nor should a decision to remove a Commissioner for missing
meetings. As soon as possible after two consecutive unexcused absences, and prior to a
third consecutive unexcused absence, the absent Commissioner must request a leave of
absence if they desire to remain on the Commission. At a third consecutive meeting where
a Commissioner is not excused and there has been no request for a leave of absence, the
absent Commissioner's seat shall be forfeited effective immediately.
C. Leave of Absence:
1. A Commissioner whose serious health or physical condition would prevent them from
performing the duties of the Planning Commission may ask to be placed on a leave of
absence under the following conditions:
2. Such serious health or physical condition must be certified in writing by a medical
physician.
3. The request for a leave of absence shall be in writing, and hand -delivered or mailed to the
Secretary of the Commission or Building Official at least one week prior to the date when
such leave would commence.
4. The request for a leave of absence must state the anticipated date the Commissioner will
resume their duties.
5. By majority vote of the whole Commission, a leave of absence shall be granted as follows:
6. The absence shall not exceed 90 days from the date the motion is passed by Commission;
7. At the end of the 90-day leave of absence, the absent Commissioner shall either:
a. Return to normal Commission duties commencing with the first Thursday meeting
following the end of the 90-day leave; or
b. Submit a letter of resignation to the Secretary of the Commission.
A leave of absence may only be granted twice during a Commissioner's three-year term, with no
less than six months between each request. Upon approval of a leave of absence, the absent
Commissioner shall not be replaced with a pro-tem Commissioner during the absence.
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 2 of 8
6. Election of Officers
A. Officers shall be elected at the first regular meeting in January of each year, by majority vote of the
membership of the Commission. Terms of office shall run from the first January meeting until
December 31, or until a successor has been elected. No Commission member shall serve more than
two full consecutive terms as Chair of the Commission. No Commission member shall serve as
Vice -Chair for more than two full consecutive terms.
B. In the event that the Commission has no sitting Chair at the first regular meeting in January, the
Vice -Chair will preside over the Commission until officers are elected. If at the first regular meeting
in January, both the Chair and Vice -Chair are no longer Commission members, the Secretary will
preside over the meeting until Officers are elected.
C. A vacancy in either the Chair or Vice -Chair shall be filled by a special election, to be held at a
convenient time with a majority present. In the event that the office of Chair is vacated, the Vice -
Chair shall serve in that capacity until the required special election is held. No member can hold
two office positions concurrently.
7. Rules of Order
The Secretary shall serve as the official parliamentarian for all meetings and shall keep a copy of the current
"Robert's Rules of Order" in the Council Chambers during Commission meetings. Robert's Rules of Order
shall govern the conduct of all public meetings of the Commission except when they conflict with these
Rules of Procedure.
8. Ouorum
A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Commission and no action can be taken in the absence of a
quorum except to adjourn the meeting to a subsequent date. A quorum must be present for all meetings.
9. Voting
A. The affirmative vote of a majority of those present shall be necessary for the adoption of any motion
or other general matter.
B. For the conduct of business dealing with the adoption or changes to the City's Comprehensive Plan,
at least four affirmative votes must be cast. No proxy shall be allowed.
C. Commission members present when the question was called shall give their vote. If any
Commission member refused to vote "aye" or "nay" their vote shall be counted as a nay vote, unless
the Commission member has recused themselves due to actual or perceived appearance of a conflict
of interest, which shall be so stated prior to the vote at hand. Abstentions are not permitted.
D. No member may participate or vote on a matter unless the member has been in attendance at all
public hearings regarding such matter, or has listened to the recording of the public hearing and
reviewed the written record of the matter in question.
E. Election of Officers. Each officer, Chair and Vice Chair, must receive a majority vote of the
Commission in order to be elected to the position. Voting may be taken by paper ballot.
10. Meetings
A. There shall be at least one regular meeting each month with additional meetings scheduled as
necessary, except when cancelled as noted below. Regular meetings shall be scheduled on the 2"a
and 4' Thursdays of the month, commencing at 6:00 p.m. and ending not later than 9:00 p.m.
Meeting ending time may be extended by a majority vote of the Commission. Meetings may be
used for general planning matters, study sessions or public hearings as described below.
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 3 of 8
1. Meetings on General Planning Matters. General planning matters to be reviewed by the
Commission will typically be preceded by a study session of the Commission to discuss
the issues with City staff. Generally, no testimony from the public shall be taken at a study
session.
2. Public Hearing Meeting. A public hearing is a meeting to provide the public an opportunity
to comment or give testimony on a proposed action or items such as the Comprehensive
Plan, or development regulations. The Commission may deliberate upon the item
immediately after the hearing, or during another scheduled meeting(s).
3. Scheduled meetings may be canceled or convened at other times if deemed necessary by
the Chair or, in the absence of the Chair, by the Vice -Chair. Notice of cancellation shall be
given to Commission members, and to the public by posting a notice at City Hall and on
the City's website.
4. The recommended order of business for meetings is:
a. Call to order by Chair.
b. Pledge of Allegiance.
c. Roll call by Secretary.
d. Approval of Agenda.
e. Approval of minutes.
f. Commission member reports.
g. Administrative reports.
h. Public comment.
i. Commission business.
j. For the good of the order.
k. Adjournment.
B. Commission meetings shall be held pursuant to the Open Public Meetings Act, chapter 42.30 RCW.
C. Special meetings may be called:
1. By a written or verbal request to the Chair, or in the Chair's absence, to the Vice -Chair, or by
a majority of the members of the Commission, or City staff.
2. By approved motion of the Commission.
3. Notice of a special meeting shall be provided as required pursuant to chapter 42.30.080 RCW,
including posting notice of such meeting at least 24 hours before the time of such meeting as
specified in the notice.
11. Conduct of Hearings
A. Actions for a Commission Public Hearing.
1. Prior to the start of the public hearing, the Chair may require that all persons wishing to be
heard sign in with the Secretary, giving their name, city of residence, the agenda item, and
whether they wish to speak as proponent, opponent, or otherwise. Any person who fails to sign
in shall wait to speak until all those who have signed in have had an opportunity to speak; and
when they speak at the hearing, shall give their name and city of residence. The Chair, subject
to concurrence by the majority of the Commission, may establish time limits and otherwise
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 4 of 8
control presentations. Such limits shall be established and announced prior to beginning the
hearing. The Chair may change the order of speakers so that testimony is heard in the most
logical groupings, (i.e., proponents, opponents, adjacent owners, vested interests, etc.).
2. The Chair shall introduce each agenda item, open each public hearing, and announce the
following Rules of Order:
a. All public comments shall be made from the speaker's podium and shall be directed to the
Commission. Any individual making comments shall first give their name and city of
residence. This is required because an official recorded transcript of the public hearing is
being made.
b. It is not necessary to be a proponent or opponent in order to speak. Those who are neither
a proponent nor an opponent, should speak during the proponent portion and indicate that
they are neither a proponent nor an opponent.
c. No comments shall be made from any other location, and anyone making "out of order"
comments shall be subject to removal from the meeting as allowed by law.
d. We ask that there be no demonstrations, applause or other audience participation during or
at the conclusion of anyone's presentation. It is distracting to the Commission and takes
time away from the person who is testifying..
e. Please limit your testimony to three minutes. (unless a majority of the Commission agrees
to allow the Chair to extend time)
f. These rules are intended to promote an orderly system of holding a public hearing and to
give all that wish to speak an opportunity to be heard.
B. When the Commission conducts a hearing to which the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine applies,
the Commission members should give consideration as to whether they have:
1. A demonstrated bias or prejudice for or against any party to the proceedings;
2. A direct or indirect financial interest in the outcome of the proceeding;
3. A prejudgment of the issue prior to hearing the facts on the record, or
4. Had ex parte contact with any individual, excluding staff, with regard to an issue prior to the
hearing. Please refer to Section 16(B) for more specific information on how to proceed where
there has been an ex parte communication.
If any Commission member should determine that items (C)(1-4) should apply to them, they should
consult with a member of the legal staff, prior to the meeting, to determine if a conflict of interest
violation exists pursuant to the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine. If such a violation or a perception
of a violation exists, the Commissioner should recuse themselves.
C. Conducting the Public Hearing
1. The Chair will announce the matter and open the public hearing, stating the time.
2. The Chair will allow staff to describe the matter under consideration and place the issue and
any documents into the public record.
3. The Chair will inquire as to whether Commission members have any questions of staff. If any
Commission member has questions, the appropriate individual will be recalled.
4. The Chair will allow proponents, opponents and the public to offer testimony and evidence on
the pending matter. The Chair may allow Commission members to ask questions of any person
at the conclusion of their testimony.
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 5 of 8
5. At the conclusion of the public testimony, the Chair may ask staff if there is any additional
information, testimony or evidence to submit for the record.
6. The Chair will then either close or continue the public hearing and state the time for the record.
Additional testimony may not be requested or considered after the closing of the public hearing,
however, the Chair may declare that the public hearing will remain open until a date certain for
the purpose of receiving written testimony or materials.
7. The Chair will inquire if there is a motion by any Commission member. If a motion is made, it
shall be in the form of an affirmative motion. Affirmative motions are preferred to prevent
"approval by default" of a failed negative motion. Following the motion and its second,
discussion will occur among Commission members.
8. The Chair will inquire if there is any further discussion by the Commission members.
9. The Chair will inquire if there are any final comments or recommendations from staff.
10. The Chair will inquire of the Commission members if they are ready for the question.
11. The Chair will call for the vote on the motion and, following the vote, announce the outcome
of the vote.
12. Pre -filing of testimony or evidence is encouraged and may be delivered to City staff in advance
of a hearing.
12. Agenda, Staff Reports and Minutes for Regular Meetings.
A. A copy of the agenda for every regular meeting of the Commission will be sent to each member up
to seven days prior to the date of the meeting.
B. Staff reports will be sent to Commission members with the agenda. Agendas and staff reports will
be made available to applicants and the public at the same time.
13. Minutes and Communications with the City Council.
A. Minutes of all meetings shall be kept, and the complete files of proceedings and actions taken in
connection therewith shall be considered the public record and filed with the City Clerk.
B. The Secretary shall provide the Commission members with a set of minutes of the previous
meeting. These minutes shall be considered for approval by the Commission at a regularly
scheduled public meeting and upon approval, shall become part of the official record of action of
the Commission. Approved and signed minutes shall also be transmitted to the City Clerk.
14. Recording of Meetings
Whenever possible, proceedings of all public hearings, meetings, study sessions and any special meeting
shall be recorded and retained in accordance with the Washington State Archives Retention Schedule.
15. Statement of Ethics / Code of Conduct
A. Statement of Ethics. It is hereby recognized and established that high moral and ethical standards
of Commission members are vital and essential to provide unbiased, open, and honest conduct
within all phases and levels of government; that rules of ethics are helpful in guiding Commission
members to eliminate or prevent actual or perceived conflicts of interest in public office, and to
improve and elevate standards of public service so as to promote and strengthen the confidence,
faith and trust of the people of the City of Spokane Valley in their local government.
B. Interests in Contracts Prohibited; Exceptions. No Commission member shall be beneficially
interested, directly or indirectly, in any contract which may be made by, through, or under the
supervision or direction of any City of Spokane Valley employee, in whole or in substantial part,
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 6 of 8
or which may be made for the benefit of his or her office, or accept, directly or indirectly, any
compensation, gratuity or reward in connection with such contract from any person beneficially
interested therein. The foregoing shall not apply to the exceptions specified in RCW 42.23.030,
which are incorporated herein as if fully set forth.
C. Conflicts of Interest
1. A Conflict of Interest includes:
a. Engaging in a transaction or activity which impairs, or would to a reasonable person appear
to impair, the Commission member's independence of judgment or action in the
performance of their official duties;
b. A Commission member having a financial or other private or personal interest in any matter
upon which the member is required to act in the discharge of his or her official duties;
c. A "Professional Conflict of Interest" includes any real or perceived conflict of interest
caused by circumstances such as a Commission member's employment, past or present.
Where the Commission member's employer or professional activity is only tangentially
related to a matter before the Commission, recusal need not occur if the Commission
member can reasonably conclude that the connection is or was remote and inconsequential.
d. If a Commission member is required to refrain from deliberation or participation by their
employer because of a real or perceived conflict of interest, then the Commission member
will be allowed to recuse or withdraw from that deliberation.
2. Conflict of Interest Procedure: Every Commission member who has a conflict of interest shall
publicly disclose the conflict at the next Commission meeting after the Commission member
discovers the conflict. If a discovery or determination of a conflict is made during a
Commission meeting, the Commission member shall publicly disclose the conflict at that time.
The nature and extent of such conflict of interest shall be fully disclosed, and a summary of the
same shall be incorporated into the official minutes of the Commission proceedings.
a. If a Commission member feels that they cannot be unbiased because of any conflict of
interest, the Commission member shall recuse themselves from further proceedings on the
issue. Such Commission member shall make a public statement disclosing the reasons why
the Commission member believes they are disqualified, and state they are recusing
themselves from the issue. The disqualified Commission member will then leave the
Council Chambers until such time as the issue at hand has been disposed of in the regular
course of business. If there are other matters on the agenda, then the disqualified
Commission member must return to the Council Chambers to participate in the other
matters as soon as the Commission ends discussion of the matter in which the disqualified
Commission member has a conflict of interest.
D. Other Prohibited Acts. Commission members are prohibited from:
1. Acting in a manner which would result in neglect of duty, misfeasance or malfeasance in office.
2. Acting in a manner that intentionally disrupts Commission meetings.
3. Using their position to secure special privileges or exemptions for themselves or others.
4. Directly or indirectly receiving, accepting, taking, seeking, or soliciting anything of economic
value regardless of the amount, as a gift, gratuity, or favor.
5. Engaging in or accepting private employment or rendering services for any person or engaging
in any business or professional activity when such employment, service or activity is
incompatible with the proper and faithful discharge of their official duties as a Commission
Planning Commission Rules of Procedure Amendment Page 7 of 8
member, or when it would require or induce the Commission member to disclose confidential
information acquired by reason of such official position.
6. Disclosing confidential information gained by reason of their membership on the Commission
or using such information for their personal gain or benefit.
7. Engaging in any meeting that violates the Open Public Meetings Act (OPMA). The OPMA
strictly forbids any meeting of a quorum of the Commission during which any City business is
discussed. The OPMA provides that Commissioners may:
a. meet informally in less than a quorum and discuss City business, and
b. meet in a quorum if City business is not discussed.
However, Commissioners are encouraged to be mindful that such meetings risk creating the appearance
of a violation of the OPMA and such meetings should be avoided.
16. Appearance of Fairness
A. The Commission shall adhere to the applicable requirements of the Appearance of Fairness
Doctrine, chapter 42.36 RCW.
B. During the pendency of any quasi-judicial proceeding, no Commission member may engage in ex
parte communications with proponents or opponents about any proposal involved in the pending
proceeding, unless::
1. The Commission member places on the record the substance of such oral or written
communications; and
2. The Commission member provides a public announcement of the content of the communication
and of the parties' right to rebut the substance of the communication at each hearing where
action is taken or considered on the subject. This does not prohibit correspondence between a
citizen and Commission members if the correspondence is made part of the record, when it
pertains to the subject matter of a quasi-judicial proceeding. (RCW 42.36.060)
17. Review of These Rules of Procedure
The Commission shall review these rules of procedure on the first anniversary of their adoption and every
three years thereafter. Proposed changes upon the recommendation of the City Attorney may be brought
forward as appropriate. Any amendments identified by the Commission or the City Attorney shall be
forwarded to the City Council for review and ratification.
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