Planning commission elects Wayne Rowland as chair and names Yee vice chair

The Piedmont Planning Commission opened its Sept. 24 meeting by announcing the recent resignation of Chair Aradna Jojody, effective Sept. 19, and moving immediately to select new leadership. Commissioners nominated then voted to appoint Wayne Rowland as chair and Commissioner Yee as vice chair; the motion passed by roll call.

Chair Rowland opened the meeting by reminding participants that minutes will be prepared from the meeting video and asking all speakers to identify themselves. Staff also reviewed Brown Act recusal rules and noted that any commissioner with a financial interest in property within 500 feet of an applicant must recuse themselves. Staff disclosed that Commissioner Busilink has an ownership interest within 500 feet of 68 Fairview Avenue and will be recused when that application is heard. “As commissioners, we are required to comply with the requirements of the Brown Act so that our deliberations are conducted openly,” Rowland said. The commission then adopted the previous meeting’s minutes by roll call before moving on to the evening’s consent and calendar items.