Maplewood council approves removal of Planning & Zoning commissioner Brad Jackson

The Maplewood City Council voted to approve Resolution 26-12 on March 24, removing Brad Jackson from the Planning and Zoning Commission for failing to meet the city's attendance rules.

Council read the relevant attendance provision of the city code (section 2-33-61) during debate and noted the requirement that a member who misses three consecutive regular meetings without an approved excuse may forfeit office. Mayor and staff said Jackson had been notified and offered the opportunity to be heard; Jackson appeared and addressed council.

Brad Jackson said he understood the procedural basis for the action but objected to the timing, noting he had accepted a $15,000 settlement from Mayor Greenberg in a federal lawsuit and that his participation in commission meetings had been limited while that matter was pending. "The ink on that agreement is barely dry, but here we are again," Jackson told council, and asked to be allowed to serve the remaining two months of his term.

Council members discussed the importance of attendance and of placing qualified, engaged members on boards and commissions. After discussion and a roll call vote, Resolution 26-12 was approved. A council member later asked to change a recorded vote to abstain, citing a possible conflict; the council acknowledged the change.

The council expressed appreciation for citizen service on boards and commissions and reiterated the city's expectation that appointees participate in meetings and work to serve Maplewood residents.

No further administrative steps were recorded at the March 24 meeting; the resolution takes effect as the council recorded it.