Council names two new planning commissioners, delays construction appeals appointments

The Citrus Heights City Council appointed two residents to the Planning Commission on Jan. 8 and delayed action on the Construction Board of Appeals while asking staff to return with options for handling rare appeals.

Councilmember Kelsey Nelson announced her individual appointment, and Councilmember Tim Schafer appointed Oleg Shisco to separate seats. For two at‑large vacancies, councilmembers selected Scott Kinderwater and Thomas (Tom) Sheeler after a multi‑round preference process. The council voted to confirm Kinderwater and Sheeler by voice vote after each member provided ranked preferences.

City Clerk Amy Van explained that 17 applications were received for the open planning and construction appeals seats; two applicants applied to both boards. During discussion staff noted the Construction Board of Appeals is rarely convened and suggested an ordinance amendment to allow ad‑hoc panels of regional experts for infrequent technical appeals. Council instructed staff to return with a proposed ordinance amendment and deferred appointments to the Construction Board of Appeals; two current board members will remain until a return item.

Applicants who were mentioned during the discussion included Andrew Saunders (written comment), Al Hakim Al Rahui (individual appointment by Councilmember Nelson), Oleg Shisco (appointment by Councilmember Schafer), Scott Kinderwater and Thomas Sheeler (at‑large appointments). Scott Kinderwater introduced himself to council from the podium and described volunteer work with local senior services.

Council took final motions to appoint Kinderwater and Sheeler; the motion carried on a voice vote.