17 vie for four seats
The Healdsburg City Council has so many applicants for seats on the Healdsburg Planning Commission that the council split into teams to interview the applicants.
According to a description on the City of Healdsburg website, the seven-member commission: “holds public hearings 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. They also assist in drafting specific-purpose plans.”
The planning commission is usually the first public opportunity for the community to learn about new development projects and zoning changes.
Three seats on the commission are up for reappointment, but four seats are available. Commissioners Phil Luks and Richard Tracy have applied to be reappointed. Commissioner Rich Bottarini did not. Commissioner Joe Lickey resigned from the commission to devote more time to his family and business.
Counting the incumbents, there are 17 applicants for the four seats. They are: Eric Anderson, Vesna Breznikar, Howard Brunner, Charles Duffy, Ronald Du Preez, Barrett Elmer, Carmen Kinkade, Christopher Lefferts, Johanna K. Leiblein, Vern Losh, Philip Luks, Timothy Meinken, Beverly Nadine, Dan Petrik, David Ripes, F.D. Chuck Rogers and Richard Tracy. According to Deputy City Clerk Raina Allen, an 18th applicant turned in an incomplete application.
City councilmembers Leah Gold and Joe Naujokas will interview half the applicants and Mayor Brigette Mansell and Vice Mayor David Hagele will interview the other half. The council appoints subcommittees of two members in order to avoid the legal necessity of holding public interviews, which would be required if three or more councilmembers were involved.
Each team of councilmembers is expected to recommend two appointments, which then have to be discussed by the full council at a public meeting.
