Nominee Chase Barnes, an IPA training coordinator, introduced to New Castle County Board of Adjustment; full council vote deferred

Chase Barnes told the Boards and Committees Subcommittee he works at the University of Delaware Institute for Public Administration and is ‘‘very well versed in land use, zoning, boards of adjustment,’’ as he sought appointment to the New Castle County Board of Adjustment.

Chair Dee Durham introduced Barnes’s nomination from the County Executive’s Office and invited him to speak. Barnes said he works on local government grant assistance and serves as an IPA training coordinator, bringing outside experts to teach local‑government professionals. ‘‘I’m very well versed in, land use, zoning, boards of adjustment, and things like that,’’ he said, and added he is ‘‘eager for the appointment’’ and wants to serve in the community.

A council member explained the board’s authority and stakes: “The Board of Adjustments is a quasi judicial board that exists under state code,” the member said, noting the panel grants dimensional variances and sometimes issues decisions that can lead to litigation and affect New Castle County land use. Several council members told Barnes his IPA background and training work would be an asset to the board.

Chair Durham said the subcommittee was forwarding the nomination and that the formal vote on the appointment will likely occur at the full County Council meeting next Tuesday. No formal confirmation vote took place during the subcommittee meeting recorded in the transcript.

The meeting record shows a brief routine consent action earlier in the session when members approved the Oct. 21 minutes. A motion to adjourn later passed by voice vote.