6. Review the Agenda
It can be quite helpful for the Planning Director to meet with the Chair in advance of the meeting to go over the agenda and discuss the likely time requirements for each project. They can also identify potential problems or areas of controversy. The end result is having the Chair more comfortable in running the meeting.
It also almost goes without saying that all members of the commission should have the meeting agenda and packet in hand at least several days in advance.
Planning Comm’rs Journal columnist Elaine Cogan suggests putting controversial items early in the agenda. “Too often, planners still put the issues which most concern the public last or next to last on the agenda … it is no wonder that people get restless and cranky if they have to sit through several hours of deliberations that do not concern them.”
Online Resources:
- Elaine Cogan, “First on the Agenda is the Agenda!“
- Elaine Cogan, “Meaningful Dialogue With the Public“
- Elaine Cogan, “There’s Help for Dysfunctional Meetings“
We welcome your comments and/or suggestions for additional resources we might list. Email them to us at: pcjoffice@gmail.com. Also, let us know us if any link is not working.
