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Planning Commission Interview Questions <br />October 27, 2009 at Spm <br />1. In your own words, please explain your understanding of why City's have planning <br />commissions and what the primary responsibilities of the planning commission are. <br />Ideal Answer will reference local code language such as: <br />• 1) Develop, maintain and review the comprehensive plan and make <br />recommendations to City Council. <br />• 2) Review all planning matters required by City Code. <br />• 3) Review and comment on any item as directed by City Council — <br />example is the FUD/PRD Ordinance. <br />• An excellent answer will include a reference or acknowledgement of this <br />commission's connection to state law. <br />2. Explain your perspective on the role of a commissioner as it relates to participating in <br />Commission meetings. How will that role change over time? <br />• Answer should talk about learning curve; period of time when <br />commissioner is learning. <br />• Even while learning a commissioner should participate in the discussion <br />even if that participation comes in the form of questions. <br />3. Assume you are appointed to the Commission and that during a commission meeting <br />an aggravated land use applicant accuses you of having a conflict of interest because you <br />live near a project. The applicant demands that you not be allowed to vote on the <br />application. What do you do? <br />Answer should emphasize maintaining a professional manner. <br />Commissioner should look to the Chair for the floor; and professionally by <br />concisely defend themselves. <br />Answer should indicate awareness that a commissioner will avoid arguing <br />with an applicant and that commissioner will depend on the chair to <br />maintain decorum. <br />4. Discuss your relationship as a commissioner with city staff. Do you view staff as a <br />resource that can provide information and research or do you expect that when you <br />express your viewpoint that they will write a report and make recommendations that <br />agree with your position? <br />Answer should indicate an understanding that commissioners should <br />contact staff when they have questions or a need for information. <br />Answer should also indicate that staff write reports and make <br />recommendations based on their knowledge of city code, previous <br />decisions and consultation from the city attorney when necessary; one <br />