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Payson council fills advisory-board vacancies, pauses on one out-of-town applicant
Summary
Council appointed Cody O'Donnell, Eric Santana, Patrick Whelan and Joseph Pence to advisory boards, with one councilmember recused for the Cody O'Donnell vote (result 6–0). Staff noted one applicant (Eugene Wolcotti) is not a qualified elector and any code change to allow non-resident business owners will require a future resolution.
The Payson Common Council moved to fill immediate vacancies on two advisory bodies at its April 22 meeting, approving multiple appointments after staff warned of quorum issues and eligibility rules.
Council appointed Cody O'Donnell to the Building Advisory Board (term expiring 06/30/2027); because one council member recused from that vote, the motion passed 6–0. Eric Santana was appointed to the Building Advisory Board (term noted as 2028) on a 7–0 vote. The council also approved Patrick Whelan (term-year clarifications discussed) and Joseph Pence to the Board of Adjustments; recorded outcomes were favorable (Joseph Pence 7–0 via roll/voice vote).
Staff told council one applicant, Eugene Wolcotti, is not a qualified elector because he lives outside town limits, which by code prevents appointment to some commissions. Council members discussed whether to consider a code amendment to allow business-license holders with a physical presence in town to serve on certain boards and directed staff to draft options for future consideration. "We can bring him back and change the code," one council member said, noting a future agenda item could address the eligibility rule.
The appointments were handled through individual votes so members could recuse where necessary; staff emphasized staggered expiration dates and that some seats still need filling in June.
