Council appoints planning commissioners while debating residency rules under state code
Summary
Council appointed four applicants to the planning commission but paused action on residency questions after discussing Virginia Code definitions and whether non‑residents qualify; members recommended getting an attorney opinion before finalizing any appointment where residency is unclear.
The council appointed Jeff Adler, John Labadee, Jim McGowan and Paul Wetzel to the town planning commission but engaged in extended discussion about residency requirements and legal authority.
A council member read the applicants’ names from the packet and moved to appoint the four candidates. Council members then discussed the town bylaws and Virginia code — specifically referencing Section 15.2‑2212 (qualifications, appointment, removal, terms) and related residency definitions. One member noted the code allows a local governing body to appoint five to 15 members and that members must be residents; others said the town’s bylaws provide a separate framework. Several councilors urged referring the residency question to the town attorney to avoid appointing a nonresident to a board that will influence local land‑use decisions.
The motion to appoint the named applicants passed by voice vote. Council agreed to seek legal clarity on the definition of 'resident' for future appointments and to ensure that an advertised opening remains available if an applicant must be deferred pending attorney review.
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