Okay, there is always a little bad with the good. We have a wonderful city and incredible people, but sometimes we aren’t quite firing on all cylinders. Last night was one of those times.

This was my first Flat Rock planning commission meeting (although I am no stranger to city planning, having served on one several years ago) and I left a bit embarrassed. There weren’t enough planning commission members to constitute a quorum. Now that in and of itself in not a terrible thing. After all it is the summer and people are trying to squeeze in those last much need vacations before school starts, but here is the problem…

• Most didn’t communicate their planned or unplanned absence
• The room was full of people needing action from the commission (city officials, builders, even future residents)
• Apparently, a couple members (appointees) rarely attend or communicate their intended absence
• The dutiful, faithfully executing, appointed commission members that did attend were left holding the bag and the humiliation

Hopefully, the commission will quickly schedule a special meeting, make another apology to the people in attendance, and ensure this doesn’t happen again.

We have accomplished so much and built a fabulous community. The planning commission is a critical piece in continuing to make our city a great place to live. I am sure the Commission members will get things back on track.

Proposed Meeting Agenda (in case you would like to attend the next meeting):

• Final Site Plan for T-Mobile, LLC
• Celtic Farms Amendment
• Proposed Vacating East Seneca and North Evergreen (I know several folks have mentioned interest in this)
• Discussion on Zoning Ordinance from City Planner
• Various Correspondence

Update: I received a prompt and apologetic letter from the planning commission today rescheduling the meeting for Tuesday September 1, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Good form!