No reasons given for removal from agenda

Rio Rancho’s planning and zoning board will get to avoid another controversial piece of legislation for awhile.

Two weeks ago the board considered the ordinance regarding the parking of commercial vehicles while tabling a proposed outdoor lighting ordinance. But according to a meeting agenda posted on the city’s web site, the lighting ordinance has been withdrawn per the recommendation of city staff.

Board chairman Pat D'Arco and members Karl Wiese and Dave Heil confirmed their copies of the agenda also show the lighting ordinance a being withdrawn, but they weren't sure why.

Robert McArthur, listed as the staff contact for the Department of Development Services on the outdoor lighting ordinance, referred The SCORE's inquiries to Dolores Wood, the city's zoning manager and primary liasion with the P&Z Board.

Wood did not return repeated calls seeking comment.

Perhaps one reason the ordiinance was pulled is an already full agenda that includes several different items, including a proposal to redefine Special Use Zoning Districts. Those changes were deemed necessary after department director Rob Anderson admitted at a City Council hearing on a proposed zoning change at Willow Creek Road and NM 528 that a requirement for a full site plan was sometimes not being observed.

That re-zoning proposal has been tabled until next year. And to his credit, Anderson voluntarily pointed out the inconsistencies and recommended the policy language be reviewed.

A proposed amendment to Chapter 154. Section 154.14 regarding Special Use Zoning Districts notes in its preamble that "the Governing Body finds that current City Ordinance language is not adequate to address current goals and objectives" and changes "are required to provide clarity as to the City's goals, princes and policies peraining to the Special Use and site play approval."

The meeting is set for 6 p.m. in the city council chambers. An agenda and supporting documents are available at the city's web site.