1 TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Brianna Rindge, AICP, Community & Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: September 5, 2023
SUBJECT: Discussion and Consideration of Planning Commissioner Robert Steinbach’s Current Appointment
RECOMMENDATION
Determine Planning Commissioner Robert Steinbach’s seat to remain as appointed.
BACKGROUND
Lomita Municipal Code Section 2-9.03. (“Absence from meetings”) states that “If a member of the planning commission shall be absent from four (4) regular meetings of said board during any one (1) calendar year for any reason other than that provided in section 2-9.04. of this chapter then, regardless of whether the mayor issued a warning, the seat of such member shall be deemed vacant, unless the city council shall make a determination to the contrary. If the seat is deemed vacant, the term of such member is ipso facto terminated and the planning commission shall immediately inform the city council of such termination.” Planning Commissioner Robert Steinbach was absent from the February 13, May 8, July 10, and August 14, 2023 meetings. Mr. Steinbach advised staff of his upcoming absence in advance of three of the meetings and has expressed his desire to remain on the commission.
ANALYSIS
Lomita Municipal Code permits the City Council to make a determination that a commissioner with absences may remain on the Planning Commission instead of forcing the seat into vacancy. This Commissioner regularly makes motions, seconds, and otherwise participates heavily in every meeting attended. His expertise gained through his extensive career with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Inspection Bureau is especially helpful during Commission discussion on items.
Item No. 8a
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
2 OPTIONS
1. Determine Planning Commissioner Robert Steinbach’s seat to remain as assigned as recommended by staff.
2. Deem the seat of Planning Commissioner Robert Steinbach vacant and direct staff to begin recruitment to fill the vacancy.
Reviewed by: Approved by:
___________________ _______________________
Gary Y. Sugano Ryan Smoot
Assistant City Manager City Manager
Reviewed by:
_________________________
Brianna Rindge, AICP
Community & Economic Development Director