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WILKES-BARRE — Against a resident’s objection, city council Thursday approved the mayor’s nomination to sit on the city Planning Commission.
Council voted 4-0 to appoint Carl Naessig to the unpaid post effective Friday. His term expires Feb. 23, 2021.
Naessig, of Diebel Avenue, replaced attorney Rodney Kaiser who left to fill Naessig’s spot on the Zoning Hearing Board after his term expired.
But resident Sam Troy wanted the appointment put on hold until others could apply for it, including himself. Troy had previously been nominated for the city Municipal Authority, however council didn’t bring his appointment up for a vote.
Troy said he suspected it was because of his outspokenness and wanted another shot at a spot. “Maybe I’m somewhat offensive and abrasive,” he said.
He was definitely wrong about the process not being open to the public, councilman Tony Brooks informed him. All members of the city’s boards and authorities are posted on the city website, and Brooks said he makes it a practice to tell people to get involved and put their name in for a nomination.
The names are reviewed by the administration. And as directed by the city charter, Mayor Tony George nominates a person who has to be approved by council.
City Administrator Ted Wampole credited council with putting the list of authorities and boards as well as the members and their terms online.
”I think it’s as transparent as it’s ever been,” Wampole said.
Troy responded that he doesn’t have a computer. He was advised to come to City Hall to learn more about the nominating process.
Council approved the other resolution on the agenda that permitted the installation of a sign extending over a public sidewalk outside the soon-to-be-open Italian restaurant, Buona Sera, at 1287 N. Washington St.