Planning Commission considers doubling meetings

The Costa Mesa Planning Commission plans to adopt a mission statement during its meeting Monday and begin convening more frequently.

The five-member board meets once a month, though city staff have recommended that they meet twice monthly because of an increased workload. If a second session is not needed, it can be canceled, according the commission’s agenda report.

If approved, the meetings would be at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.

The change is not anticipated to increase the members’ $400 monthly stipend.

Commission Chairman Jim Fitzpatrick said he approves of the idea of having a mission statement.

“As accountability and measurement are being sought, it’s appropriate for a body like the Planning Commission to hold themselves to that level of accountability,” he said.

Furthermore, the commission has never had a mission statement, Fitzpatrick said. “And all the other bodies and commissions seem to have one. I think it’s appropriate for the Planning Commission.”

As proposed, the mission statement would be incorporated into the commission’s bylaws, which were last modified in 2009. The statement has 12 bullet points, among them:

•”To promote the health, safety and general welfare by encouraging the most appropriate use of land.”

•”Help provide the community with high-quality development and businesses to enhance the quality of life of the city’s residents, businesses and visitors.”

•”Ensure that development projects meet the broader goals of the general plan and zoning code by exhibiting excellence in design, site planning, integration of uses and structures, and protection of the integrity of neighboring development.”

• “Promote uses that reinforce the city’s image as a City of the Arts and major destination center for cultural attractions.”