The Peninsula Community Planning Board (PCPB) will review its bylaws — a nagging and contentious issue sparked by election frictions — during the next regular board meeting Aug. 19. The PCPB’s bylaws came into question again recently after a general election and three subsequent runoff elections were necessary to fill five open positions, only to be followed immediately by the surprise resignation of another board member that created yet another vacancy. The vacancy was filled by board appointment rather than another election by Peninsula voters — a provision in the PCPB bylaws apparently open to interpretation — passionately dividing some board members and members of the public. At issue is whether the board should have the authority to appoint replacement members or whether such matters should be left to the electorate to decide. The provision and other elements of bylaws review are expected to be addressed Aug. 19. According to PCPB Chair Charles Mellor, the major items that could be changed within the bylaws are counting of votes (deciding between a majority and plurality system) and how the PCPB fills vacant seats. At its July 15 meeting, a PCPB motion to submit the bylaws to the city failed 6-5, setting up next month’s discussion. The PCPB’s bylaws can be viewed online at www.pcpb.net.








