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PrintCOLUMBIA — The City Council decided Monday to extend the application process for the empty seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Third Ward Councilman Karl Skala said the council is reopening the application process because it is unhappy with the fact that there weren't more applications.
Skala said he thinks the lack of applications could be attributed to the economic climate. The position is unpaid and requires a lot of work, and it's more difficult to attract volunteers in an economic downturn, he said.
Skala said he hopes to interview applicants between now and the council meeting on July 20.
The Planning and Zoning Commission sent the council recommendations for the ideal candidate, which Skala said was well received. The commission recommended a candidate who understands the time commitment and who has a high level of enthusiasm and passion for Columbia.
There is a potential for conflicts of interest, Skala said, but that should not be an issue if it only occurs occasionally. People have abstained from voting in the past on certain issues they are involved with, and it doesn't become a problem until it affects too much of their work, he said.
Skala said the City Council won't make that call until after the interview process.
Three other applicants applied earlier for two vacant positions. Doug Wheeler was reappointed for one, and the council reopened the application process to gather more applicants for the other position.
Don Stamper and Rusty Strodtman are the most recent applicants. Stamper is a former Boone County presiding commissioner, former County Planning and Zoning commissioner and current executive director of the Central Missouri Development Council. Strodtman is the senior leasing manager for Forum Development Group.
Prospective applicants can check the city's Web site later this week for more information about the position. Applications will be due to the City Clerk's office at noon on July 6.
Comments
Skala was unhappy with the applicants not that there weren't more.
Who the hell wants to be on it ?
Well the council needs to set clear guidlines as to when it is OK to extend the deadline and when they cannot. I would bet anything that if it were two smart growth applicants they would have proceeded. The council needs to set the standard and stick to it.