PORT ANGELES — Building development in the city could come to a halt as the result of a mass resignation Wednesday night that left the city’s Planning Commission without a sitting quorum.
Planning Commissioners Chuck Schramm, Linda Nutter and Bob Philpott resigned Wednesday night, citing a staff reorganization approved the night before by the City Council, and the attitude of several City Council members toward the public.
Planning Commissioner Dylan Honnold recently resigned because he moved outside the city.
Planning Commission chairman Fred Hewins said Wednesday night he would remain on the board. His term expires Feb. 28, and he is eligible for reappointment to a second term.
Planning Commissioner Len Rasmussen is on vacation and was unavailable for comment.
Planning Commissioner Fred Norton, whose term expires Feb. 28, 2007, said Thursday morning he hadn’t decided whether to stay.
“As far as my status, I just don’t know,” Norton said.
“I may take awhile to decide.”
Community development
The council voted 4-2 Tuesday night to approve the reorganization, which includes making the community development director a planning manager and placing him under a more powerful community and economic development director.
The plan also places the parks and recreation director under the director of public works and utilities.
Council members Karen Rogers, Grant Munro, Larry Williams and Mayor Richard Headrick voted for the plan; council members Lauren Erickson and Gary Braun voted “no.”
Councilman Jack Pittis recused himself at Erickson’s request after revealing that he has a relative who works in the Parks and Recreation Department.