A number of speakers used the public‑comment period to express frustration with the county’s handling of a planning commission appointment and with perceived lack of transparency.

Lee Martel, Charles Rule, Linda Rotman and others raised concerns about agenda language, whether a resignation had been posted for the vacancy, and the timing of the appointment. Speakers described a “public outcry” and said the process — including the posting of the appointment on a Friday — did not provide sufficient public notice. Linda Rotman said she had communicated with county staff and disputed an earlier characterization that she had not been involved in discussions.

Despite the objections raised during public comment, the board moved, seconded and voted to appoint Philip Simmons (Buchanan District) to fill the vacancy created by Steve Kidd. The motion carried by voice vote.