PORT ANGELES — Residents interested in shaping land-use decisions in Port Angeles are being urged to apply for three vacancies on the city planning commission.
Two of the planning commissioners are moving and one is resigning, according to Nathan West, community and economic development director, in a memo to the City Council.
“It’s always been pretty common to see turnover on this board,” West said Thursday.
Positions that need to be filled immediately by city residents were held by Chad Aubin and John Matthews, whose terms expire in February 2019, and Brian W. Hunter, whose term expires in February 2020.
Hunter’s spot might be filled by applicant David Amoroso of Port Angeles at the next regular City Council meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, when his appointment by the City Council is scheduled for the consent agenda.
The meeting is at City Hall at 321 E. Fifth St.
For an inkling of what City Council members are looking for in an applicant, the public can attend the council’s interview of Amoroso at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall.
“Staff has repeatedly advertised for open seats and has only received one application,” West said.
The City Council appoints planning commissioners to terms of up to four years and up to two full consecutive terms.
The positions are uncompensated but come with no small degree of responsibility, West said.
The planning commission meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at City Hall.
Planning commission makes recommendations to the City Council on long-range planning proposals, the zoning code, the shoreline master program and development regulations in the municipal code.
Amendments and updates to the comprehensive land-use plan are a major focus.
“The comprehensive plan is based on state law and is designed to be the foundation of the city’s decision making,” West said.
“The planning commission is pretty much tasked with their priority being the updating and drawing up of the comprehensive plan.”
Applications for the positions are available for downloading at www.cityofpa.us or at the city manager’s office at City Hall.
Applicants are asked in the three-page questionnaire why they want to serve on the commission and to cite relevant background and experience.
Planning commission members must live within the city limits.
Applications are being accepted at the city manager’s office at City Hall until the positions are filled.
They also can also be emailed to City Clerk Jennifer Veneklasen at jvenekla@cityofpa.us.
For more information, contact Veneklasen at 360-417-4634 or email her.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@ peninsuladailynews.com.
