Oakley interviews three planning commission applicants and confirms Kevin Barker to finish unexpired term

Oakley’s City Council interviewed three applicants for the planning commission on March 11 and later confirmed Kevin Barker to fill an unexpired term that runs through Dec. 31, 2027.

At the opening of the applicant interviews, Mayor Welmouth said the council would ask standard questions and follow the public portion with a closed-session deliberation and an open vote. The three candidates each described why they wanted to serve and what they would bring to the commission.

Candidate S3 said he bought land in Oakley in 2019 and that farming and community events drew him to the city; he described a desire to "give back" and emphasized experience attending planning meetings and learning local processes. Kirby (S10) said she grew up locally, runs a business and works as a nurse, and said she would strive to be a liaison between the community and the council while balancing growth and preservation. Rebecca Roberts (S11) said stewardship, preserving community character and long-term planning are her priorities and said commissioners should educate the public about zoning and ordinances.

On conflicts of interest, each applicant said they would recuse themselves when appropriate; one applicant noted that everyone has implicit biases and that it would be their responsibility to disclose them.

After the council met in closed session to discuss the candidates, Councilmember S12 moved to confirm Kevin Barker to fill the remainder of the term vacated by Steve Mains; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The mayor indicated Barker would be asked to take the seat to serve through the end of 2027.

The council directed staff to follow the usual onboarding and noted the appointee will need to stand for reappointment or reapplication when the unexpired term expires.