Alexander Planning Commission approves by-laws, elects officers

Members of the Alexander Planning Commission held their first meeting this year to approve the commission’s by-laws and elect officers. Since this was also the commission’s first meeting with these newly appointed members Mayor Paul Mitchell, at the request of commission members, acted as interim chairman until the by-laws were approved and the chairman was elected.

Members of the planning commission are current Ward-2 council member Juanita Wilson and former council members Stephanie Beck and Michael Huck. There are still two vacancies to fill on the commission. Anyone wishing to volunteer should contact Mayor Mitchell at city hall (501) 455-2855.

The previous commission was disbanded by the council in 2017 after two members resigned and the council felt there was a lack of interest, by at least two of the remaining members, to cooperate with city hall. Wilson and Huck were appointed by Mayor Mitchell in 2017 and Beck was appointed recently. With three out of five members available they were able to hold their first meeting Tuesday, March 20.

After discussing and amending the by-laws they were approved, “with corrections,” by a three to zero vote. Michael Huck was then nominated for and elected chairman with two “yes” votes. Huck abstained. Unlike city councils a majority of votes is based on those members present, not the total number of positions.

After taking over from Mayor Mitchell, Huck chaired the remainder of the meeting. Juanita Wilson was nominated for the position of vice-chair and was elected with two “yes” votes. Wilson abstained. Stephanie Beck was nominated for the position of secretary and was also elected with two “yes” votes. Beck abstained. According to the by-laws the three officers will serve, “until the next election,” which would normally be at the end of the year.

The by-laws also establishes the commission’s meeting schedule. Regular meetings will be held the second Tuesday in February, April, June, August, October, and December. Planning commissions are required by state law to meet once every quarter in a calender year. Additional meetings can be scheduled when needed.

The planning commission’s first regular meeting will be held Tuesday, April 10 at 6 PM in the courtroom at city hall. The public is invited to attend.