Planning Commission may get AISD rep

Unlike the Board of Adjustment and Public Works ex-officio positions, the Austin Independent School District position has been unfilled on the dais since the Planning Commission reincorporated ex-officio members several years ago. According to the City Charter, the AISD position must be filled by the AISD Board of Trustees. Board President Gina Hinojosa has asked to appoint another member to take her place, but previously, staff has said that would not be allowed under City Charter. Since then, however, AISD and City Legal minds got together and came to an agreement that it could be done if the Planning Commission amended its rules to recognize an AISD representative. “The Planning Commission has wanted for a very long time to get the AISD rep here,” said Chair Danette Chimenti. She then quoted from a letter from Assistant City Attorney Brent Lloyd, who wrote that, after thinking about the issue further, City Legal didn’t see a problem with the new solution, “as long as it is not regarded as a delegation in the legal sense.” Chimenti said she wanted to get the ball rolling with a conversation at the commission’s next meeting, and other commissioners agreed. “I’m fine with discussing it. I just think we are on shaky ground,” said Commissioner James Nortey.