Government is comprised of many appointed boards and commissions. The one currently drawing the most attention is the Allen County Planning Commission. The following information can be found at the Allen County web address:
http://www.co.allen.in.us/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=107&Itemid=134
The Allen County Plan Commission is responsible for the Allen County Comprehensive Plan, and its implemetation through the Allen County Zoning Ordinance, the Subdivision Control Ordinance, and various policies and practices. Guided by the Comprehensive Plan, the Plan Commission controls the type, location, and timing of development in unincorporated Allen County and works with the City of Woodburn, and the Towns of Grabill, Huntertown, and Monroeville. Fort Wayne, New Haven, and Leo-Cedarville have their own plan commissions.
Five of the nine members of the Plan Commission are appointed by the Allen County Board of Commissioners and the Allen County Council. The Allen County Surveyor, the Allen County Extension Educator, and a township trustee serve on the commission by virtue of the positions. One member of the Board of Commissioners serves as well.
- Charles J. Bodenhafer, President
- Allan D. Frisinger, County Surveyor, Vice President
- Susan L. Hoot
- Paul Moss, County Council
- Bill Brown, County Commissioner
- Harold Kleine, Township Trustee
- Gonzalee Martin, County Extension Office
- Ken Neumeister
- Robert W. Young
Meetings of the Plan Commission are usually held the second and third Thursdays of the month at 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. respectively. You can see the annual meeting schedule at 2007 Calendar.
I located agendas, but they are about two months behind. The most recent agenda is dated April 10, 2008. The website also contains a segment titled “Allen County Plan Commission Notebook” which contains a summary of the actions taken for a specific month. The Notebook is also two months behind. While minutes are of necessity published after a meeting, it doesn’t do any good at all to have agendas published after the fact.
A note on the first website page indicates “the date, time, and place of Plan Commission meetings is posted at the principle office of the Plan Commission, Room 630 City-County Building.”
Wow – here’s a thought. How about posting the date, time, and place as well as the current agenda on the website? I mean how many people can just run down to the City County Building to see the notice?
And here is another thought – how about holding meetings at a time when the working public can attend? I work during the day as most people do, so to be able to attend the meetings is almost impossible. It is time to scrutinize these commissions and board.
