The Planning Commissioners held a Public Meeting last week on "Home Business Licencing" requirements. I caught the tail-end of the meeting on RC-TV21 and wanted to tell them about a home-based food re-packaging business that was attracting rats in my neighborhood. Guess what? It wasn't too late! They "heard me" even though the Public Meeting had closed!
Usually, citizens can only "comment" before or during Public Meetings. That's changed. At times, they will extend the comment period for a few days after the Meeting. It's clear our commissioners go the extra mile to "listen" to us and encourage participation during their important city decisions.
The planning commissioners can be reached at planningcommission@redmond.gov . We are very lucky our commissioners will often "hear us" after a Public Meeting and before they make their decision. At present, comments made by email are not accepted during Public Hearings or Study Sessions. Hopefully, this policy will change. Usually, several planners sit at the table with the commission with their computers. It would be beneficial to keep this line of communication open.
Below, is the email comment I sent during last week's Public Meeting on business licensing. I learned later, a Redmond resident had already contacted our code enforcement officer, Carl McArthy and these businesses are now shut-down.
Dear Commissioners -
I have a comment on home business licensing for "food repackaging" businesses. Recently, Carl McCarthy had to make a visit to a home in our neighborhood that repackages dated food items and then sells the food at discount prices. The business is messy. It's operated out of the garage, multiple refers and freezers are used. Recently, a neighbor reported a large rat infestation in a nearby home and a few other homes. Lots of food waste is left on the curbs in over packed garbage barrels.
I hope these types of food businesses are shut down. The business is not a charity. It is a money making business. Public health is also a question mark.
Thank you,
[leave name and address]
Bob Yoder
C0-author, Ed. Hill neighborhood
Bob, if we are talking about the same home based business in our neighborhood (located behind Keely's former home), I believe this a "members only" food bank for members of the near-by LDS church.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure why you feel the Planning Commission has jurisdiction over a home based business? This issue of rat investation sounds like something for public health or as you say "code enforcement".
I would guess the Planning Commission is focused on Urban Planning, infrastructure, and zoning. Maybe you could give us readers more clarity on the role of the Planning Commission?
Hi Richard - click on "planning commission" link for the full scoop on the "PC".
ReplyDeleteThe city generally considers the PC a "Hearing body" for the council. As for food service business, it may have started out by LDS folks but it's purpose was not to service LDS exclusively. Check with the locals.
The PC spent most of their time talking about child home care businesses. They concluded the city has had little trouble with these businesses and I believe the PC decided to remove the Administrative Permit TYPE II requirements. The Council makes the final decision on the PC's recs, I believe.
While it may not matter to you, I'm sure Carl M would appreciate it if you spelled his last name correctly. There's no second "c".
ReplyDeleteThank you! It's nice to know you are reading this story!
ReplyDelete…” At this time, the City does not receive “live” e-mail comments that are being sent to Commissioners or staff during meetings.
ReplyDeleteWritten comments or oral testimony before the Planning Commission are welcome on any topic. Testimony can be made at the beginning of each meeting during Items from the Audience or, if there is a public hearing on a particular issue, the Commission Chair will usually request that testimony be held for that part of the agenda when the issue is considered. Oral testimony that is made during a public hearing becomes part of the official record on the matter, along with any written comments received before the public hearing. It is often the case, as you note in your article, that sometimes the public hearing will be extended for the purpose of receiving additional written comments on a particular item.
--SS - Senior Planner