Zoning commissioners ask for explanation after city circulated hold-harmless agreement

A zoning board member raised concerns at the July 17 meeting about a recently circulated hold-harmless and indemnification agreement that had been sent to multiple city commissions with a requested signature deadline. A board member said the request felt "a little bit disrespectful" and asked for an explanation and for corporation counsel to explain why the document had been circulated. Patrick, the meeting clerk, said he had received the request through the city manager’s office and that he would follow up and seek answers from the city manager’s office and corporation counsel. Another participant said they had spoken with "Jennifer Dodson" and that the document had been circulated to multiple commissions. The board discussed whether the council had approved the request; participants said they were not sure. Board members said they were heartened that the commissions generally resisted signing the document and requested a formal explanation. Staff committed to follow up with the city manager’s office and corporation counsel and to report back to the board.