Taft council appoints Don Black to planning commission after two-candidate interview

The Taft City Council on Oct. 21 appointed Don Black to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Planning Commission created by the recent death of Commissioner Ron Orr.

City Manager Joan told the council the city received two qualified applications by the Oct. 13 deadline: Don Black and Jeffrey Ferris. Both applicants attended the meeting and answered council questions.

Don Black, who identified himself as a native of Taft and a former planning commissioner (service ending in 1993), told council he wanted to help the city prosper and said he would work with the commission and council to ensure development aligns with the general plan. Jeffrey Ferris described his background as nearly two decades working in Kern County, most recently as a program manager for emergency medical services, and said he holds an MBA in health care management and a city business license for Valley Consulting. Ferris said he would focus on responsible growth, public safety and sustainability and added: "I envision Taft as a model of a well planned, self reliant community that offers a high quality of life while preserving its history and character." (applicant remarks read into the record.)

After nominations and roll-call voting, the council selected Don Black by a 3-2 vote. Council members Waldrop, Mayor Pro Tem Bryant and Councilman Chavera voted for Black; Council members Pryor and Scribe voted for Ferris. The mayor announced the appointment and invited both applicants to consider other volunteer opportunities; council members noted a separate Measure A oversight vacancy remains open.

Black will join the Planning Commission and serve according to the city's terms and appointment policies; staff will provide orientation and confirm his appointment paperwork.