Annette Beard
GARFIELD -- Planning Commission chairman Bill McClain resigned, but had no comment as to why.
A conflict between Planning Commission members and Mayor Gary Blackburn over having a key to City Hall and access to the building for meetings was revealed publicly during last week's City Council meeting. Planning Commission members asked Mayor Gary Blackburn for a key to the building. He said the former chairman had a key.
"Also, I have asked several times in a council meeting, is there any way that one of us members can get a key to get in the building without having to bother you, mayor or you, Teresa (city recorder), to open the building," said Ellen King, planner. "We have never had to have anyone open it for us before. If you don't trust us, then tell us."
"Your point is duly noted," the mayor responded. "Mr. McClain had a key and he turned it in to me when he resigned."
Several times, Blackburn said McClain had a key.
"He did not have a key," King said.
"Mrs. King, I can hear you. We'll drop it at that," Blackburn said. "You need two new members, the ordinance says five members. You will have a key."
Twice in the past year, the Planning Commission arrived at City Hall and not had access to the building. Once, they sat outside on the sidewalk for their meeting. Another time, they went to the Northeast Benton County Volunteer Fire Department station next door.
McClain, when asked about the key, said that since Blackburn has been mayor, he's had a key twice -- once he was allowed to pick up a key in the morning, access the building, and leave the key after the meeting. The second time was one or two days before he resigned. McClain said he signed a hand-written receipt acknowledging receiving the key and then returned it to the mayor when he resigned. He said he has not had a key regularly.
Planners also asked council members to appoint Andy Shook to the Planning Commission. After an executive session, the council appointed Shook and Zannie Morrison to the Planning Commission. Morrison is the city's code enforcement officer.
General News on 07/20/2016