Legislative committee forwards reappointments, names new planning commission nominee

The Benton Harbor legislative committee on Jan. 7 voted to forward several appointments and reappointments to the full city commission for final approval.

Chair opened the meeting at 5:30 p.m. and said the committee would forward Mayor Emma Hall’s reappointment to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority despite her absence. The chair moved the item to the full commission.

Ricky Hill appeared in person to seek reappointment to the Board of Review. Hill described his long public service and said he is "the chairman presently at the board of review," explaining he values the role because it involves reviewing tax assessments and treating residents fairly. After Hill’s remarks, the chair moved his reappointment to the full commission.

The committee also noted that Eddie Marshall was not present but that, because his item was a reappointment, it would be forwarded to the full commission.

The committee heard from Brianca Haynes, who said she goes by "Bree," described herself as a local realtor and former paraprofessional, and said she previously worked as a housing counselor with the Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation. Haynes said she runs home-ownership education sessions and is working to establish a nonprofit called Generations Forward to promote generational wealth through homeownership. The chair said Haynes ‘‘would be a good fit’’ and moved her appointment to the full commission.

All forwarded appointment items will be considered by the full Benton Harbor City Commission; the committee did not record a formal roll-call vote on these referrals at the legislative committee meeting.

Next step: the full city commission will consider the forwarded appointments in a future meeting.