The Scottsdale City Council on Oct. 21 completed interviews and made appointments to multiple citizen advisory boards and commissions, voting to fill vacancies on panels that advise the city on airport operations, building code appeals, human relations, economic development financing, transportation and veterans affairs.

Council members heard brief two‑minute statements from nominees, asked follow‑ups and then voted on each commission. Appointments announced during the special session and later confirmed during the regular meeting included selections for the Airport Advisory Commission, Building Advisory Board of Appeals, Human Relations Commission, Industrial Development Authority, Transportation Commission and Veterans Advisory Commission.

Why it matters: the councils and commissions provide research, recommendations and community input that city council members use when setting policy and approving projects. Filling vacancies restores advisory capacity for timely review of items such as airport operations, building‑code variances, tourism and transportation planning and veterans’ programs.

Key appointments and context
- Airport Advisory Commission (two vacancies): Craig Bennett and John Spall were appointed following the candidate interviews. The commission advises the city on airport policy, land use, operations and safety.
- Building Advisory Board of Appeals (two vacancies): David Bridal and Tim Castleberry were appointed (the council suspended the rules and appointed them by acclamation after the board’s interview process). The board reviews requests for minor variances and alternative construction methods under the building code.
- Human Relations Commission (one vacancy): Chas Angst was appointed after interviews with three nominees. The commission advises the city on diversity and inclusion efforts and initiatives to reduce prejudice.
- Industrial Development Authority (one vacancy): Michael Rowland was appointed to the IDA, which issues tax‑exempt financing for certain private development projects intended to foster economic activity.
- Transportation Commission (two vacancies): Emmy Cardella and Gerald Conover were appointed to the commission that advises on vehicle, transit, pedestrian and bicycle matters and assists with the city’s transportation safety planning.
- Veterans Advisory Commission (two vacancies): Marcy Castiva and Christy Sledgers were appointed by acclamation. The commission advises the council on programs and services for veterans and the military community.

Council process and next steps
Council members made selections after each nominee’s two‑minute presentation and brief questioning; staff said appointed individuals will be contacted with next steps and onboarding information. Council members repeatedly urged qualified applicants who were not selected to reapply when future vacancies arise.

The appointments restore membership on several panels that feed recommendations into council deliberations on public safety, economic development, planning and community services. For boards that are advisory in nature, the new members are expected to begin participating in review and recommendation work once city staff complete administrative onboarding.