MOORPARK : Applicants Sought for Conservancy Panel

Moorpark is seeking a resident interested in becoming the city’s appointee to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Committee.

Councilman Scott Montgomery, who has represented the city on the committee since 1990, announced last month that he was stepping down to give another council member the chance to serve.

But no council member agreed to take Montgomery’s place, prompting the search for public applicants.

Montgomery said he was surprised at the lack of interest among the city’s elected officials and feared the city would lose clout on the committee by sending a member of the public.

“It will diminish Moorpark’s presence,” he said. “I’m kind of disappointed that one of the other four council members didn’t step up to the plate. I’ve been doing it for four years, done a lot of work, attended a lot of meetings.”

Mayor Paul Lawrason said the city should be able to retain a strong voice on the advisory group if it finds the right appointee.

“Traditionally, you would think an elected official would have more influence,” Lawrason said. “I would beg to differ if the right person is there.”

The conservancy is a state agency established to acquire parkland and trails for public recreational use and preservation. The advisory committee meets on the first and third Mondays of the month at 7:30 p.m. at various locations throughout Ventura and Los Angeles counties.

Applications for the unpaid position will be accepted through March 8, and the City Council is expected to make its appointment by the end of the month.

For more information, call the city clerk’s office at 529-6864.