by April Scheinoha
Editor
Some changes are afoot at the Thief River Falls Planning Commission. At its meeting Tuesday, Jan. 21, the Thief River Falls City Council changed the makeup and meeting date of the commission. The changes are effective with the commission’s February meeting.
In other motions, two new members were appointed and another member was reappointed.
The Planning Commission handles planning and zoning matters on behalf of the city, making recommendations to the council. However, the council has final approval.
The Planning Commission will now be composed of six residents and three council members. Currently, the commission is composed of eight residents and one council member. As part of a separate resolution, the council approved appointing Mayor Mike Lorenson and council member Kelly Langness to the commission. Council member Steve Narverud already serves on the commission. While Narverud has faithfully attended Planning Commission meetings, Lorenson noted there was a concern that there would be no council representation at a commission meeting if Narverud were absent.
As part of the above changes, the council also approved enacting term limits for Planning Commission members who don’t serve on the council. They “shall serve staggered three-year terms, up to a maximum of three terms, after which there shall be a one-year period of non-service, unless waived by the City Council,” according to the newly-amended city code. Current Planning Commission members will be able to finish out their terms.
Besides those changes, attendance criteria has been added. The council may now remove a commission member if the person has three consecutive unexcused absences or six unexcused absences during their three-year term.
Unexcused absences include that the commission member failed to notify the chairperson or staff liaison in advance or as soon as reasonably practical of an upcoming absence, gave a reason that doesn’t meet the “excused” criteria or the committee member was absent without providing a reason.
“Excused absences include, but are not limited to, absences related to personal illness/medical appointment; illness or emergency involving immediate family; work conflict that cannot reasonably be rescheduled; required school function; funeral/bereavement; severe weather/road conditions; military duty; pre-approved travel or vacation (not a surprise day off),” according to the newly-amended city code.
The commission’s meeting schedule has also been changed to the first Wednesday of the month after the first council meeting of the month. As a result, the commission’s next meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 5 at City Hall.
Council members serving on the Administrative Services Committee were previously unable to serve on the commission since Planning Commission meetings were held at the same time as the committee meetings. City Administrator Angie Philipp was also unable to attend the commission meetings for that reason. She has now been added as an ex-officio member of the commission. Richard Baker, economic/community development director, will remain as the other ex-officio member.
The council reappointed Teri Averill to the Planning Commission. Averill was among four candidates whom the mayor interviewed for two open positions. Averill’s newest term will expire Jan. 31, 2029.