Current:

There is a Planning Commission and a Zoning Commission with eleven (11) members. Nine (9) of those members are appointed by the Council at the start of each four-year term. The Parish President appoints two (2) members. The two commissions have the same members. The Commissions are responsible for Zoning decisions and reviewing and approving subdivisions.

The Planning and Zoning Commission appointment process is not transparent and there is no effort by the parish to publish the desired qualifications and for citizens to submit resumes. Since the process is not conducted openly, there is a perception that the Council reaches out to people they know instead of seeking out the citizens who best meet the qualifications for the positions.

Proposed:

• Nine member Planning and Zoning Commission
• 5-year staggered terms
• Independent five-member Nominating Committee
• Head of University Urban Planning Program
• Head of Largest Planning Organization in Louisiana
• Business Community Representative
• Environmental Organization Representative
• Neighborhood Organization Representative
• Three nominees for each vacancy submitted to the Parish President
• Parish President selects one nominee for each opening
• Parish Council votes to confirm nominee or not
• Commissioners hire the Planning Director
• Planning Director hires the Staff
• Planning Department cannot be eliminated