Orris was appointed to fill the uncompleted term of Commissioner Shirley Martin whose resignation is effective March 23. Pregler’s term expires July 1, 2009, and Orris’s expires July 31, 2007.

Six residents applied for and were interviewed in a public forum for two vacancies. Candidates were asked their opinions about the most important planning issues facing the city, how they would work collaboratively with other commissioners and what is their vision of the city in the next 5 to 10 years. Interviews were conducted by the council on Feb. 21 and March 6, with appointments made on March 6.

The planning commission is a 7-member volunteer advisory board. The members review and make recommendations to the City Council on land use policies. Its primary focus is the preparation and updating of the city’s comprehensive plan, which is the framework for land development within the city and zoning regulations.

The commission reviews staff proposals, holds public hearings and submits recommendations to the City Council on the comprehensive plan, neighborhood or area plans, the Shoreline Master Program, area-wide re-zonings and zoning text amendments.

The planning commission has specific authority vested by the City Council to act as the review and approval body for design review of proposed commercial buildings.

For more information, contact Ray Sturtz, Director, Community Development Department at (425) 489-2757. To learn more about the planning commission and to view planning commission agendas, go to http://www/ci.woodinville.wa.us/government/planning commission.asp.