Wildomar Council appoints four residents to Planning Commission in 5-0 votes

The Wildomar City Council on an evening with a shortened agenda appointed four residents to open seats on the Planning Commission, voting 5-0 on each nomination.

Jeanette Morales, the city clerk, told the council the commission "primary role is to review and make decisions on various land use applications and amendments to the city's general plan and zoning ordinance," and that the clerk's office received 26 applications for the four vacancies.

Councilmembers nominated and approved the following individuals: Renee Kim Barrow, Charles Golden III, Nolan King and Brianna Bernard. The council voted on each appointment separately; each motion carried unanimously, 5-0. Morales said the newly appointed commissioners will be sworn in at the next Planning Commission meeting.

Council members who participated in the votes included Mayor DiFilippo, Mayor Pro Tem Marquez, Council Member Moore, Council Member Morabito and Council Member Nick. One council member noted the unusually large applicant pool and told colleagues many of the 26 applicants were "outstanding," framing the appointments as a positive sign of resident engagement.

Brianna Bernard was nominated specifically to finish the remainder of a seat vacated unexpectedly by Commissioner Strong; the council said that choice was meant to provide continuity on the commission while the city transitions to a new planning manager. The council did not set a public hearing or other additional conditions as part of the appointments.

The appointees are scheduled to be sworn in at the next Planning Commission meeting; the council did not specify effective dates for each appointment during the meeting.