By Terrance Thornton
Digital Free Press
Scottsdale City Council has made appointments across the municipal gamut to boards and advisory commissions staffed with residents looking to play a role in serving the community.
Scottsdale City Council re-appointed Rene Higgs and appointed Diana Kaminski, to the Planning Commission, which serves as a key advisory body to City Council on all things development and zoning.
The Planning Commission is comprised of seven members appointed by a majority vote of Scottsdale City Council. City Hall officials provide via City Charter the commission is charged to review, evaluate, and approve rezoning requests, General Plan amendments, use permits, abandonments and municipal use master site plans, maintaining the applicable standards and policies of the city of Scottsdale.
Although the Planning Commission plays a key role in the municipal development process the elected leaders of Scottsdale have the final word.
During a May 17 public hearing Scottsdale City Council heard from residents interested in the advisory body:
- Jeff Brand
- Laurie Coe
- Robert Fishman
- Jason Heetland
- Michal Ann Joyner
- Diana Kaminski
- Anthony Leavy
- Ed Peaser
Community volunteers appointed
In addition to the Scottsdale Planning Commission a host of community volunteers appeared at City Hall, 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., to be interviewed for City Council to better understand personal motivations for their volunteer service.
Those who came to volunteer their time and the prospective board and commissions of service were:
•Scottsdale Board of Adjustment:
Nominee: Gary Donahoe
•Scottsdale Human Services Commission:
Nominee: Patrick Dodds, Mary Jung, Stuart Turgel
•Scottsdale Library Board
Nominee: Marna McLendon
•Scottsdale Parks and Recreation Commission
Nominee: Maryann McAllen
•Tourism Development Commission – Scottsdale Hotelier Position
Nominee: Steve Jung
•Tourism Development Commission – Industry Position
Nominee: Jeanne Alspaugh
The applicants listed above were appointed at different times by virtue of existing terms of vacant positions or expiring terms. The public hearing and subsequent vote took place Tuesday, May 17 at Scottsdale City Hall.
