Ferndale planning commission adopts updated bylaws to preserve RRC certification

The Ferndale Planning Commission voted to adopt updated bylaws at its March 18 meeting, approving two edits intended to align the commission’s training expectations with the city’s Redevelopment Ready Communities (RRC) certification and to correct section numbering.

City staff told commissioners the draft bylaws had been vetted by legal counsel and were presented to the commission because maintaining RRC status with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation requires alignment with certain training and reporting practices. "The bylaws in front of the commission tonight has been vetted through legal counsel," staff said, noting the need to preserve Ferndale’s RRC certification.

Commissioners discussed whether to spell out mandatory continuing-education requirements or instead to adopt a single clause tying educational expectations to RRC requirements. Chair (role label: Chair) said a short amendment linking required educational programming to the RRC program would allow the commission to remain compliant without imposing new, rigid requirements on volunteers. Commissioners agreed to add language that attendance at trainings and conferences may be required to fulfill duties tied to the RRC program and to fix minor section-numbering errors called out during review.

Commissioner Azar moved to adopt the bylaws with the two edits; Commissioner Hall seconded. The commission took a roll-call vote and the motion passed. The commission recorded affirmations from present members and the bylaws were adopted.

The adopted change is procedural but timely: the commission and staff said the edits protect the city’s RRC standing and allow staff to continue offering MAP (Michigan Association of Planning) resources and other continuing-education opportunities to commissioners. The commission said it can revisit stricter training requirements later if RRC or local needs change.