SAN CLEMENTE : Council Refuses to Accept Resignation

Saying the city still needs her expertise as a longtime member, the City Council has refused to accept the resignation of Jane Mertens from the Community Design Commission.

In her resignation, submitted last month, Mertens, who has served on the commission since 1985, said she wanted to step down for “compelling personal reasons.”

But Councilman Thomas Lorch, who motioned that the council refuse to accept the resignation, argued that “we need (Mertens) to stay active a bit longer.”

Mertens’ resignation was submitted shortly after a report suggested that the City Council reorganize or disband the Community Design Commission, which reviews all construction projects within 300 feet of a historical site.

Last month, the council trimmed the review scope of the commission, which the report labeled “autocratic and dictatorial.”

In addition, the report, issued by an urban design consultant commissioned by the council and Planning Commission, said the design commissioners differ on the philosophy of the board and lack specific guidelines to conduct reviews.

In her letter of resignation, Mertens acknowledged the commission’s problems but said she felt comfortable leaving now because revised guidelines are currently under review.