Monday Night Confusion

Phew- that was a bit complex. The Comprehensive Plan was up for approval last night. Two members (David Stone and Jeff Bush) were absent. And you need 5 votes to pass anything, regardless of how many people are attending.

We spent a good while hearing testimony about why Montana Creek stream buffers should be at 500 feet rather than the Borough norm of 200. This proposal, sponsored by Trout Unlimited had been based on a scientific study and had done the rounds of various city committees and commmissions for almost two years. At the end it was approved by the Planning Commission who sent it to the Assembly. In the Committee of the Whole it was reduced to 200 feet, I proposed to move it back to 500 as a result of sound science and a broad public process. Four members voted in favor (Doll, Dybdahl, Botelho and me) while three opposed (Sanford, Wanamaker and Chambers). But without five votes it did not pass. Later I gave notice of reconsideration, so it could be voted on again once Mr. Bush and Mr. Stone are there.

Mr Sanford made a motion to include support for the Road in the Plan, but then moved to table it because he could not be sure of 5 votes. So the whole Comprehensive Plan is tabled until the next Assembly Meeting October 20. In the meantime I suggested that the Trout Unlimited Study be presented to the Assembly at an intervening Committee of the Whole Meeting October 13, and that was accepted (albeit a bit grudgingly by Mr. Wanamaker).

The other factor is that on October 20 we swear in any new Assembly members elected oin the October 7th elections.

So I hope that clears things up.....:)