Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning board elects Amanda Salmon as vice chair and requests parliamentary training
Summary
Newly seated Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board members introduced themselves; Amanda Salmon was nominated and approved as vice chair by voice vote, the board approved minutes, and planning staff agreed to arrange parliamentary procedure training for newer members.
During the meeting, newly seated members of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough Planning Board introduced themselves and said whether they were interested in serving as vice chair. After the introductions, the board nominated Amanda Salmon to serve as vice chair; the nomination was seconded and approved with no objection.
Several members described their backgrounds. Mike Lebing said he is a lifelong Palmer resident and recently retired after a 37-year career with Otis Elevator Company in Anchorage. Carla McBride said she has lived in the area 51 years and has worked as a teacher and, since 2007, as a realtor. Eric Cohn, who said he served as vice chair last year, noted turnover in recent board leadership: “we actually have 4 chairmen in 4 years. So that's hard to get a consistency going.” Chris Chavetta said he is a police officer with the University of Alaska and would serve as vice chair if needed. Amanda Salmon described her prior service on the planning board and said she was interested in the vice chair position.
The chair formally nominated Amanda Salmon; Eric Cohn seconded. The chair asked for objections, heard none, and announced Salmon as vice chair. Salmon thanked the board and said she was excited to serve.
The board also moved to approve the minutes from the previous meeting; Sandra Krieger moved approval and Eric Cohn seconded. The chair announced there were no objections and that the minutes were approved.
Planning director Alex Straub, sitting in for the planning officer, told the board staff would arrange parliamentary-procedure training for newer members and asked board members to send specific training topics or legal questions to the clerk (Kayla) so staff could prepare. Board members also discussed increasing outreach to community councils and clarifying standards when the board considers variances, and requested staff assistance to ensure consistent application of code and procedures.
The board adjourned and noted there will be no meeting Feb. 20; the next regular meeting is scheduled for March 6 with two cases on the docket.
