Development Services Review. Final Report. Zucker July 2016

development proposals in their staff reports so that they produce consistent analysis of projects to decision-makers and PC members generally agree that this occurs.

However, it was reported by some interviewees that presentations are somewhat inconsistent among staff members and there is a need to ensure that all presenters have a command on their projects and applicable regulatory scheme so that answers can be provided at the meeting. Best practice communities typically increase presentation consistency by utilizing presentation templates, providing training/coaching on presentation skills presentation and discussing issues in advance of hearings to ensure potential questions are anticipated and can be answered. 124. Recommendation : The Community Development Director should consider establishing a PowerPoint template and include in the Policy and Procedure Manual, providing presentation training and instituting pre-hearing discussion with planners as described above.

Staff Support/Accessibility Commission Interviewees reported that staff is generally cooperative, helpful and accessible.

Training/Roles and Responsibilities PC interviewees indicated that new PC members receive orientation training and packets and that on-going internal and external training on ethics, ex parte communication, roles and responsibilities, industry trends and other matters though the League of California Cities, which is a best practice and that members attend annual Conferences on a rotating basis.

Policies & Procedures Manual (PPM)

The Development Services Technician (DST) created a PPM for Administrative Processes in December 2015 that outlines procedures related to the Municipal Services Assistant and DST duties (e.g., over-the-counter processes, etc.) in order to facilitate training of new employees and raise consistency and competency, which is excellent. In addition, an outdated PPM Manual for the Department exists, that is titled,” "Community Development Department - Policies and Procedures Manual," that consists of processing procedures relating to City Council, Planning Commission, the Architectural Review Board and other miscellaneous provisions.

Morgan Hill, California

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