BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
The city has a new way of appointing members of the Historic District Commission after a split vote of City Council, Monday.
Council approved second reading of the ordinance revision in a 5-2 vote. Mayor Steven Percival and council members Sharron Catallo, Eric Haven, Jason Kneisc, David Marsh, and Sue Wylie voted “yes.” Council members Rick Detkowski and Sue Wylie voted against second reading.
According to the revision, HDC members “shall be nominated by any council member and confirmed by a majority vote of the legislative body serving.” Previously, the mayor appointed the commissioners.
Prior to the vote, Percival’s made a motion to table second reading, but the motion was defeated, 5-2. The mayor and Detkowski voted to table.
“I don’t think we’re ready,” Percival said. “If all of seven council members have a nomination, how do we pick who nominates?”
He called for more discussion by City Council with the advice of HDC members to figure out a procedure for nominations.
“We have to have these rules in place before we vote on this,” he said.
Marsh said the mayor can still determine the order nominations can be made.
“Alphabetical if you want, your favorite if you want,” he said. “The mayor has the authority to put them in any order he sees fit, but at least anybody can be nominated.”
“I prefer this not be tabled – let’s move this through and finish it,” Wylie said.
Cara Catallo, who previously served on HDC, wanted to make a comment but was not recognized by the mayor until after the votes.
“It’s hilarious,” she said as she kept her hand raised during discussion. “As someone who served on the HDC, the idea of sending it back to nonelected officials does not seem the right path. In the name of transparency,” she paused for an interruption, “you can laugh, I’m sorry, I’m still speaking, I’m so sorry, can I finish my thought?”
“We’re past that, we don’t need a soliloquy,” Percival said.
The ordinance will take effect 20 days after publication.