Planning commission member signals resignation; mayor allows advisory attendance but asks to refrain from voting

At the start of the March 12 meeting a planning commission member announced he had submitted a letter of resignation to be forwarded to the city commission on Monday. He said he would confirm with the mayor whether the resignation had been effective prior to the meeting.

The mayor replied that it was his intention that the resignation be effective but said the member could remain in the meeting in an advisory capacity "and refrain from voting this evening," adding there was no need for seat adjustments mid‑meeting. The chair asked the clerk to note in the minutes that the member was not a voting member.

Later in the meeting, commissioners discussed charter language about the staff/administrative official designation and how the position is tied to mayoral designation. Commissioners expressed appreciation for the staff member’s experience and said they would miss the contribution if the designee stops participating as a voting member; the mayor and commissioners said they would discuss whether to redesinate another administrative official for the commission.

The staff member who announced the resignation recommended that the city commission accept the resignation at its next meeting for legal and liability reasons.

Quote: "I've submitted a letter of resignation to this board to be submitted to the commission on Monday," the member said. The mayor replied: "Yes, that was my intention. ... refrain from voting this evening and it'll be business as usual."