Columbus receives no motion to appoint Williamson to planning board

COLUMBUS—After tabling the decision last month, Columbus Town Council failed to make a motion to appoint councilman Robert Williamson to the town planning board. 

Columbus Town Council met Thursday and mayor Eric McIntyre called for a motion to appoint Williamson as an alternate on the planning board. 

No council member made a motion, so the proposal died for lack of a motion. 

Williamson had applied to be an alternate member, and has said lately that the planning and zoning board of adjustments does not have enough members to comply with state statutes. Alternate members on the planning board attend all meetings and participate in discussions but only votes if one of the regular members is absent. 

Council did appoint Virginia Green as a regular member to the planning board. Town manager Tim Barth said the planning board is currently short one full-time member and two alternates, but another may have to resign soon. 

Other council members have said in the past that they did not feel it is appropriate for a council member to sit on the planning and zoning board of adjustment. 

Following the lack of motion to appoint Williamson, Williamson said he was sorely disappointed. 

“We are three members short,” Williamson said. “I volunteered to serve. I will be attending planning board meetings and will answer any questions they have. I’m very disappointed in this council.” 

Williamson said he has a background in this kind of work. 

Councilman Mark Phillips responded that other council members “don’t care.” 

Williamson also said he has developed a training manual for the planning board. 

Which Phillips responded, “was not your job.” 

Phillips then asked if the town has scheduled a person from the state to conduct training for the planning board. Barth said he has not had a chance yet, but will schedule someone soon.