The Planning Commission, one of the most important citizens commissions in city governance, is currently looking for applicants to fill out the seven-member panel. The commission meets twice monthly in public hearings (if necessary) on “proposed development plans, conditional use permits, subdivision maps and other land use matters, as well as proposed changes to the Land Use Code, Zoning Map, and the General Plan,” according to the city website.
The application for an empty seat is necessary because Carrie Hunt, the only woman presently on the body, must resign as she and her husband, realtor David Hunt, have moved outside city limits. Being an in-city resident is one of the few requirements for the job, the others being the ability to attend the twice-monthly meetings, as well as filing economic interests as required by state codes and completing required ethics training.
The fact that Hunt has been the only woman on the commission since the resignation of Vesna Breznikar last year has been recognized by some, including former mayor Brigette Mansell, as incentive to encourage female applicants.
“This is a critical time to have a Planning Commission that reflects community values and focuses on the Public Good,” she posted on Facebook. “There are so many qualified women for this one opening on a board currently composed of six men.
“I hope the City Council recruits and supports a woman for this opening.”
Breznikar, the former commissioner who stepped down last year, agreed that it’s important to have a woman on the body. “Women bring their experience and talent to complement their male colleagues,” she said. “Half the world’s population are women. Do we still need to ask if it’s important for women to be included in all of society’s decisions?”
Applications are due on Aug. 14, so the City Council can appoint a subcommittee to conduct interviews at the Aug. 18 meeting. Commission applicants are reviewed by two members of the council, who then present to the full council their evaluations and recommendation, if they have one, for the council’s appointment. the appointments tentatively scheduled for Sept. 2.
Appointment terms are usually for four years, and are renewable. This one however is only for two years, until June 30, 2027, as it is to replace a resigned commission.
Interested persons can find an application on the city’s website under “Boards and Commissions” or by emailing Raina Allen, the city clerk, at ra****@********rg.gov. All completed applications must be submitted to the city clerk’s office by 5:30pm on Thursday, Aug. 14.
