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Redding council deadlocks on mayor’s paired planning-commission picks; one nominee later confirmed
Summary
Mayor Munz’s nominations for two planning-commission seats prompted public appeals to reappoint incumbents and a divided council. A combined vote failed; one nominee, Blake Nance, was later confirmed and one vacancy remains.
Mayor Munz’s nominations to fill two vacancies on the Redding Planning Commission produced extended public comment and council debate and ended with a tie on an initial, combined motion and one confirmed appointment.
The council first considered the mayor’s pair of nominees — Joshua Johnson and Blake Nance — on a single motion. Council members split on that motion and the tied result meant the combined motion failed, leaving two seats unfilled. The council then voted separately: the motion to appoint Joshua Johnson did not receive sufficient support and no appointment was made; a later separate vote confirmed Blake Nance for one seat. The city will return with additional nominations at a future meeting to fill the remaining vacancy.
Why it matters: The Planning Commission reviews land-use proposals and makes recommendations that shape development, riverfront work and long-range planning. Residents told the council the composition of the commission matters for decisions coming this year, including the riverfront specific plan and the Peaks subdivision.
Public commenters asked the council to reappoint two outgoing commissioners, Aaron Hatch and Brandy Green, who sought second terms. Multiple speakers said Hatch and Green had institutional knowledge and had been careful and probing in prior deliberations. “I believe it would be a benefit to the people of the city of Redding that Ms. Green and Mr. Hatch serve another term,” Susan Murray told the council during public comment. Benjamin Noane and several other residents also urged reappointment.
Council debate focused on two themes: the value of continuity and lived experience on commission seats, and the mayor’s prerogative to select nominees who reflect his priorities. Council member Danuka argued for continuity and inclusion, saying the central question is “what is good for the city?” and urging appointments that reduce community divisions. By contrast, Mayor Munz defended his picks, describing both nominees as qualified and experienced in planning-related work.
Mayor Pro Tem Resner said he would not support the appointments because he felt the commission should reflect a broader mix of backgrounds: “I will not be voting to support these appointments,” he said during deliberations. Vice Mayor Lataw and other council members spoke to the normal practice that each incoming mayor makes selections that reflect their priorities.
Outcome and next steps: The council’s initial, combined motion to approve both nominees failed on a tie vote, producing two vacancies. In subsequent separate votes the council declined to confirm Joshua Johnson and confirmed Blake Nance; the mayor indicated he will bring additional nominees for council consideration at a future meeting. The council did not set a date for returning the remaining appointment to the agenda.
Context and process notes: Several speakers referenced last year’s contentious effort to remove Commissioner Hatch and urged the council to prioritize balance and healing in appointments. Council members repeatedly described appointments as the mayor’s prerogative while also asking the mayor to weigh public sentiment when making future nominations.
Ending: The Planning Commission will have at least one new member and at least one unfilled seat pending the mayor’s next set of nominations. Council members said they expect the mayor to return with nominees at the next meeting.
