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Auburn council appoints members to planning and commercial boards; residents press for more open appointments process
Summary
The council reappointed two members and appointed three new members to the Metropolitan Planning Organization citizens advisory committee and filled two seats on the Commercial Development Authority. Public commenters urged changes to boards and commissions procedures and a council member announced a March 24 community meeting on the topic.
The Auburn City Council on March 4 confirmed five appointments to the Metropolitan Planning Organization citizens advisory committee and two appointments to the Commercial Development Authority.
The council nominated Dana Camp and Hunter (Christopher) Smith for reappointment to the Metropolitan Planning Organization citizens advisory committee and appointed Robert Compton, Kirk Iverson and Cheryl McGee to the same committee. The council also reappointed Amy Carbajal and appointed Kate Hamm to the Commercial Development Authority. The appointees will serve four-year terms, and the motions to approve the nominations carried on voice votes.
Public commenters raised concerns about access to boards and commissions during the citizens open forum. Resident Robert Wilkins urged the council to change rules he described as allowing long incumbent service and limiting new applicants’ chances to serve. He cited term lengths and the perception that some incumbents effectively receive automatic renewals.
Council members and staff responded with procedural clarifications. A council member said the city had changed its process in past years so all council members receive every application; applicants must apply for every open position and incumbents are not automatically reappointed. The mayor and staff said interviews now occur for select, high-impact boards — specifically the Planning Commission and the Board of Education — and that the council may choose nominees as it sees fit.
Council member Kelly announced a community meeting on March 24 at the Boykin Community Center to explain the boards-and-commissions process and open a public conversation about inclusiveness and application procedures.
Separately during citizens forum, resident Ann Tamika asked how to pursue naming a street for her late husband, a former city councilman. Staff said most street names are chosen by private developers and noted practical constraints such as emergency-response concerns when similar street names exist. Staff offered to research the history of local street namings and to report back to the council.
The city manager also announced upcoming vacancies: one library-board seat (term beginning April 15, 2025) and two Historic Preservation Commission vacancies (terms beginning April 21, 2025); appointments will be made at the council’s April 1 meeting. The manager reminded applicants that certain Historic Preservation Commission positions require specific qualifications under state law.
