Now that council members have term limits, commission member term limits are unnecessary. If a commission member is good and recognized by the public, they can be endorsed by a new council member. Otherwise, it will be a natural change out with every election.
While we expect those appointed to commissions to be well qualified a glaring example of the opposite is a recent appointee to the Planning Commission. That commissioner has not only proved to be unqualified but has held up decisions on several projects before it.
Mike Dolan, re Restoration Hardware my point is that the planning commissioner in question is not an architect and was clearly unable to visualize the project, as evidenced by his comment after it was built.
Mike Dolan
9 years ago
Hank has reported and adopted by City Council that Councilmembers John D’Amico and John Heilman have asked the City of West Hollywood to develop standards for excellence in architecture and urban design. Additionally, “In a proposal adopted by the City Council tonight, D’Amico and Heilman also suggested that the city consider establishing a “Resource Center for Architectural Excellence” in the lobby of the Community Development Department at City Hall. That center would provide examples of award-winning buildings in West Hollywood and information about architectural schools and organizations that promote high-quality architecture and design. Also reported by Hank. These measures will… Read more »
Mike Dolan, you’re correct that an architectural license is not a prerequisite to serving on the planning commission, but as one of the planning commissioners said after the fact, he didn’t realize Restoration Hardware was going to be as big as it is.
Lynn, I agree on both counts. Perhaps Hank can provide some more information.
Lynn Russell
9 years ago
It would be helpful if the public was informed about the qualifications of the commissioners and board members and what they feel they have to contribute to the community. Through a public documents request a few years ago, I received copies of cv’s/resumes and applications which were illuminating, as several were handwritten and fairly sketchy.
In Santa Barbara, if I’m correct, the planning commissioners require a public vote prior to appointment. Not a bad idea.
Mike Dolan
9 years ago
It is not a requirement to be an architect to be appointed to the Planning Commission but to thoroughly review with the architect and developer of their proposed project. It is the Planning Commission responsibility to ensure that each project meets or exceeds the standards set by the City and complies with the City’s General Plan and Zoning regulations.
Jimmy Palmieri
9 years ago
Commissioners and Board Members will term out naturally as the council terms out. I disagree with appointed officials having term limits. We already know that there is a possibility of terming out with our council member or not being reappointed or being removed at anytime.
Chris Sanger
9 years ago
Larry- totally disagree with you on this one. Should we have term limits for people’s jobs? Sorry, you’ve worked at this company 10 years, out with you. I agree a mixture of experience is good, but experience should never, ever, be disdained. It’s as terrible idea for commissions as it is for legislative elected officials.
Larry Block
9 years ago
We need term limits on commissions and boards. In the coming years term limits for city council members will take root. The best way to groom new experienced city council members or candidates is to have them involved in more than one board or commission.
As of this point zero candidates from these past two elections have been able to secure a commission seat. Some members on some commissions have a ‘tried that ten years ago’ approach. Many of the boards and commissions can use fresh ideas and new public input.
Richard K
9 years ago
A planning commission with one architect. One person who can read and understand the architectural drawings being presented by developers. One person who with certainty can question the applicant or staff on what they’ve recommended or not.
Now that council members have term limits, commission member term limits are unnecessary. If a commission member is good and recognized by the public, they can be endorsed by a new council member. Otherwise, it will be a natural change out with every election.
While we expect those appointed to commissions to be well qualified a glaring example of the opposite is a recent appointee to the Planning Commission. That commissioner has not only proved to be unqualified but has held up decisions on several projects before it.
Mike Dolan, re Restoration Hardware my point is that the planning commissioner in question is not an architect and was clearly unable to visualize the project, as evidenced by his comment after it was built.
Hank has reported and adopted by City Council that Councilmembers John D’Amico and John Heilman have asked the City of West Hollywood to develop standards for excellence in architecture and urban design. Additionally, “In a proposal adopted by the City Council tonight, D’Amico and Heilman also suggested that the city consider establishing a “Resource Center for Architectural Excellence” in the lobby of the Community Development Department at City Hall. That center would provide examples of award-winning buildings in West Hollywood and information about architectural schools and organizations that promote high-quality architecture and design. Also reported by Hank. These measures will… Read more »
Mike Dolan, you’re correct that an architectural license is not a prerequisite to serving on the planning commission, but as one of the planning commissioners said after the fact, he didn’t realize Restoration Hardware was going to be as big as it is.
Lynn, I agree on both counts. Perhaps Hank can provide some more information.
It would be helpful if the public was informed about the qualifications of the commissioners and board members and what they feel they have to contribute to the community. Through a public documents request a few years ago, I received copies of cv’s/resumes and applications which were illuminating, as several were handwritten and fairly sketchy.
In Santa Barbara, if I’m correct, the planning commissioners require a public vote prior to appointment. Not a bad idea.
It is not a requirement to be an architect to be appointed to the Planning Commission but to thoroughly review with the architect and developer of their proposed project. It is the Planning Commission responsibility to ensure that each project meets or exceeds the standards set by the City and complies with the City’s General Plan and Zoning regulations.
Commissioners and Board Members will term out naturally as the council terms out. I disagree with appointed officials having term limits. We already know that there is a possibility of terming out with our council member or not being reappointed or being removed at anytime.
Larry- totally disagree with you on this one. Should we have term limits for people’s jobs? Sorry, you’ve worked at this company 10 years, out with you. I agree a mixture of experience is good, but experience should never, ever, be disdained. It’s as terrible idea for commissions as it is for legislative elected officials.
We need term limits on commissions and boards. In the coming years term limits for city council members will take root. The best way to groom new experienced city council members or candidates is to have them involved in more than one board or commission.
As of this point zero candidates from these past two elections have been able to secure a commission seat. Some members on some commissions have a ‘tried that ten years ago’ approach. Many of the boards and commissions can use fresh ideas and new public input.
A planning commission with one architect. One person who can read and understand the architectural drawings being presented by developers. One person who with certainty can question the applicant or staff on what they’ve recommended or not.