Tandler appeal delegation

Speaking for the Savannah Oaks Neighborhood Association, argued the council must hear the appeal itself, citing councilors' oath of office, the community development code, and improper mid-appeal process changes; also noted the appeal hadn't been posted publicly.

Urged the council not to 'shirk' its duty, noting the Planning Commission managed the record and voted 5-0 against the project; also detailed traffic concerns about closing Tandler Drive and cited the city's own transportation plan alternatives.

Agreed 100 percent with the Schwartzes, warning that closing Tandler Drive would create unsolvable traffic problems for the east end of town.

Supported the five councilors making the decision themselves, saying the learning and accountability beats handing it to one officer; also criticized distractive city messaging about a Trader Joe's.

Asked the council to decide the appeal themselves, citing the city's future ownership of the street, parking, deliveries, and lack of pedestrian-crossing plans.

Former mayor advised the council to either hire a hearings officer as extra legal counsel while hearing the appeal itself, or accept that voters will hold the council responsible if an officer approves the project.

Echoed Dodds's advice, saying voters expect common-sense decisions from elected officials, ex parte contact merely requires disclosure, and 'no one voted for a hearings officer.'

Urged rejection of the resolution and criticized the agenda packet for omitting the appeal and HAPO complaint documents, citing Oregon public-meeting transparency law.