Commission appoints Tom Shanks to Historic Zoning Commission after public comment citing staff turnover and outdated plan

The Johnson City Commission voted Feb. 20 to appoint Tom Shanks to the Historic Zoning Commission. The appointment was presented by city staff; Shanks, of 2411 Melbourne Drive, previously served on the commission and meets the architect qualification required for the seat.

Before the vote, Harold Hunter, vice chair of the Historic Zoning Commission, addressed the commission during public comment to highlight ongoing operational problems on the commission, including frequent staff turnover and lack of continuity. Hunter said he has served on the commission for nine years (eleven years in total including earlier service) and recounted that, during his tenure, the commission has had four different department heads and five different planners assigned at various times, and periods with interim staff. He said that inconsistent staff interpretation has created “turmoil and confusion.” Hunter also said the commission lacks access to the city attorney for clarification on questions at times and that the commission’s preservation survey is outdated: the commission’s plan is 20 years old and the State Historic Commission expects surveys of potentially historic structures (over 50 years old) to be updated every five to ten years.

Hunter urged the commission and staff, including new staff under Ms. Summers, to address continuity, update the survey and increase property-owner education regarding historic preservation and conservation zoning, referencing the city’s comprehensive plan language on education and awareness. Mayor John F. Hunter II and other commissioners thanked Hunter for his service and for raising the issues.

City staff described the applicant Tom Shanks as qualified for the architect-required seat; a motion to appoint Shanks passed unanimously (Commissioner Brock: yes; Commissioner Fowler: yes; Vice Mayor Cox: yes; Mayor Hunter: yes). The commission’s approval corrected an earlier appointment error noted by Hunter.

Why it matters: the Historic Zoning Commission advises on preservation and certificates of appropriateness; Hunter told the commission that the commission lacks consistent staff support to perform duties such as maintaining an inventory of potentially historic structures, and that the inventory and plan have not been updated on the five- to ten-year schedule expected by the State Historic Commission. Commissioners said they want to set the commission up for success and expressed appreciation for Hunter’s service.