Planning commission recommends BZA appointment and fills historic preservation seat

The Springfield City Municipal Regional Planning Commission on May 7 recommended a commissioner for appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals and filled a seat on the Historic Preservation Commission.

Miss Durham, Community Development Director, told commissioners that the BZA vacancy was created after the resignation of BZA chair Michael Briggs and that Ordinance 26-10, approved April 21 by the Board of Mayor and Alderman, allows any planning commission member to serve on the BZA regardless of city residency so long as the BZA retains a majority of members who live within city limits. "Staff recommends appointing a member of the planning commission to the Board of Zoning Appeals to help ensure the board can effectively administer its duties and maintain a quorum at meetings," she said.

A motion to recommend Bob Bibb to the Board of Zoning Appeals passed with seven votes in favor and one abstention.

On a separate item, Miss Durham said a vacancy on the Springfield Historic Preservation Commission followed the resignation of chair David Allen and cited Tennessee Code Annotated Section 13-7-402 requiring a planning-commission member to serve on that commission at the time of appointment. Commissioners moved and seconded a nomination to fill that seat. The appointment passed with seven votes in favor and one abstention.

Both actions were taken as the commission considered ways to ensure related boards maintain quorums and to keep scheduled hearings moving; Miss Durham and staff said the nominees were expected to meet attendance requirements and serve as planning commission representatives. The commission adjourned at the conclusion of its agenda.