SB 196-MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION  Number 085 MR. DALE BAGLEY, Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor, explained that sometimes the planning commission tends to be an extension of the mayor. SB 196 allows a municipality to choose to elect planning commission members rather than have them be appointed by the mayor. The commission members would then become responsible for their actions. CHAIRMAN WARD asked if giving this option to municipalities will make for better government. MR. BAGLEY stated that is correct. SENATOR ELTON asked why legislation was chosen as a solution since the appointment process can be changed by ordinance. MR. BAGLEY said Title 29 allows for appointed commissioners only, therefore it needs to be amended to allow for elected or appointed positions. SENATOR ELTON stated that commissioners can be appointed by the assembly without any changes to State law. MR. BAGLEY said currently, the mayor's appointments are confirmed by the assembly, usually without any controversy. Number 285 SENATOR ELTON asked if any analysis or research has been done on the additional cost to a municipality or borough. He expressed concern that very few people may want to campaign for that office which will make the elective process a more expensive way for a municipality to fill those seats. MR. BAGLEY stated that he had not done a cost analysis, but the election should be part of a normal municipal election. Municipalities have service area boards, hospital service area boards, senior service area boards, and so on. He expects more interest in the planning commission board and the advisory board seats. CHAIRMAN WARD asked if elected positions are optional or mandatory. MR. BAGLEY said it will be within the rights of the municipality to choose. SENATOR GREEN moved SB 196 from committee with individual recommendations. SENATOR ELTON objected and explained that the legislature needs to expand the ability of local governments to make these kinds of choices themselves. He said he needs to hear the desires of other municipal officials. He noted he spoke with Alaska Municipal League and was told that this has never been a problem before. SENATOR ELTON maintained his objection. The motion carried with Senators Green, Phillips, and Ward voting "Yea," and Senator Elton voting "Nay."