Wanted: new planning commissioner

La Cañada Flintridge City Hall is seeking candidates to fill a vacancy on the city’s Planning Commission that opened last month when then-Commissioner Michael Davitt was elected to City Council.

Residents can obtain application forms at City Hall or on the city’s website, but must file by 5 p.m. on April 29.

City Council members are expected to interview candidates in early May and make their appointment during a council meeting scheduled on May 16.

The newly appointed member’s term of service would last through May 13, 2014.

Perhaps the city’s most influential appointed body, the Planning Commission holds the power to review and approve proposed commercial and residential development projects and other land use plans.

Commissioners also make recommendations to the City Council regarding the city’s general plan and zoning code.

Council members opened the application process during their April 4 meeting. Although city leaders had the option to choose a replacement commissioner from among past commission applicants or even draft their own candidates, they agreed instead to begin a new application process.

“This is a very important commission and a very long term to be finished. We need to find the very best person we can,” reasoned Councilwoman Laura Olhasso, who served on the Planning Commission before joining the council.

For more information or to file an application, call City Clerk Sylvia Baca at (818) 790-8880 or visit the City Clerk’s Office at La Cañada Flintridge City Hall, 1327 Foothill Blvd. There is also a link on the homepage of the city’s website, www.lacanadaflintridge.com.