Deadline nears to apply for a spot on Blaine planning commission

By Stefanie Donahue

The city of Blaine is just weeks away from filling two vacancies on the planning commission.

The commission, comprised of seven members serving four-year terms, is tasked with advising Blaine City Council on matters related to development and land use. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on December 16 for the two terms that start in January 2017.

In a statement from community development director Michael Jones, commissioners Van Tabb and Ken Ely’s terms expire this January. Ely plans to retire from his position while Tabb has yet to express his interest in a second term, he said.

Once a commissioner’s term ends, they are required to reapply for the unpaid position. As of November 16, the city had recieved no applications.

Commissioners hold regular public meetings in council chambers at 7 p.m. on second and fourth Thursdays. Meetings generally span two hours and often include public hearings and open discussion about a variety of planning issues.

In the past, commissioners have worked on the comprehensive plan, the shoreline master program, zoning and, was recently, a Semiahmoo building project.

Aside from fulfilling an advisory role to the city, the commission has final approval over applications involving shoreline substantial development permits and conditional use permits.

To qualify for the position, applicants must reside within Blaine city limits. Applications are approved by city council and the positions are nonpartisan.

The application can be found online at bit.ly/2eYfnro. Applications need to be returned to administrative services department at Blaine City Hall, 435 Martin Street Suite 3000, Blaine.