PORT ANGELES — Fred Norton resigned from the city Planning Commission this week over differences with the city’s departmental reorganization plan, becoming the fourth member to resign because of the issue.
Combined with an earlier resignation for an unrelated reason, the latest departure leaves the seven-member board once again without a sitting quorum of four despite last week’s emergency appointment of Jim Hulett by the City Council.
But City Manager Michael Quinn said Wednesday that former Planning Commissioner Cindy Souders has agreed to serve on an interim basis.
The City Council changed procedures at its Jan. 4 meeting to allow Quinn to make temporary or interim planning commissioner appointments when the number drops below five.
Souders will join current Planning Commissioners Fred Hewins, the board chairman, Len Rasmussen and Hulett.
Obligation to remain
Hewins has said he doesn’t support this City Council but feels obligated to remain since he is the chairman — although he might leave if everyone else does.
Rasmussen is on vacation and unavailable for comment on his future with the commission.
Norton said Wednesday he resigned for the same reason three other planning commissioners did –departmental reorganization approved by the City Council at its Dec. 7 meeting.
“It’s been a lot of fun and interesting,” Norton said.
