Stamford planning commission votes to forward attendance-rule recommendation to select board

The Stamford Planning Commission voted to send a formal attendance-policy recommendation to the select board after debating thresholds for removal and acceptable excuses. The commission’s chair (Chair, S2) said attendance "is gonna be extremely important for meeting attendants" given upcoming workload and grant opportunities.

Members discussed two primary thresholds: a fixed trigger of three consecutive unexcused absences, and a percentage threshold (80% attendance over a specified period). Committee member (S3) recalled prior rules tied to "three consecutive misses" and a standard letter process. The commission clarified that it can only recommend removal and that the select board holds final authority on reappointments and removals.

The motion adopted directs staff to draft the exact wording and circulate it by email; the commission will have members sign the finalized recommendation at the next meeting and then present it to the select board. Chair (S2) said the draft will include exceptions for documented medical and family emergencies and guidance on how members should notify the commission when absent.