Monthslong commission delay could end next week

Right after months vacant, the Metropolis of Soldotna’s seat on the Kenai Peninsula Borough Scheduling Fee could be loaded as before long as next week. Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Charlie Pierce is relocating forward with Charlene Tautfest, who used for the vacancy before this yr.

The Kenai Peninsula Borough Setting up Fee is accountable commonly for the “systematic improvement and betterment” of the borough. The commission also has the acceptance and rejection authority above plots of land and can look into public structures or buildings.

Tautfest’s appointment to the fee, if authorised, would cap a 10-thirty day period process to fill the seat, which 1st became vacant past June. The Soldotna Town Council has submitted the application of Linda Farnsworth-Hutchings, who also serves on the Soldotna Metropolis Council, for thing to consider 4 periods: 1st in June 2021 and most not long ago in mid-March.

Tautfest is the president of the Soldotna Rotary Club and has earlier served on the Soldotna Arranging and Zoning Commission, according to her application for the seat. In that application, Tautfest describes herself as “dependable” and “a quick learner” who works “well underneath strain.”

In addition to serving on the Soldotna Town Council, Farnsworth-Hutchings has chaired the Soldotna Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and operates as an accountant for Hutchings Automobile Group. In a letter accompanying her software, Farnsworth-Hutchings mentioned she has palms-on experience with “property income, zoning, portion strains, easements, suitable streets, eco-friendly parts and the safety of our anadromous stream established back again on the spawning rivers and lakes within just our Town and Borough.”

Farnsworth-Hutchings’ preliminary recommendation kicked off a monthslong back-and-forth involving the Town of Soldotna and Pierce, and brought about legislative changes to the borough’s planning fee appointment method. Amongst other matters, the assembly accredited the addition of far more seats to the overall body and mentioned every of the borough’s 1st-class and dwelling-rule metropolitan areas will have designated seats on the overall body. Additionally, the assembly clarified that a “list” can be of only a single name.

Soldotna Town Council customers initially voted to recommend Farnsworth-Hutchings, who also ran in opposition to Pierce in the 2017 and 2020 mayoral races, soon after she was the only prospect to implement for the emptiness. Pierce pushed back again and stated the recommendation of a single name does not represent a “list of recommendations” as needed by state statute. He also instructed in subsequent months that inadequate promoting of the vacancy by the city could be behind the low applicant turnout.

Pierce wrote in a letter to Soldotna Mayor Paul Whitney final calendar year that he would “not be appointing” Farnsworth-Hutchings to the commission immediately after the council encouraged her for the next time. Pierce mentioned he would give Soldotna’s seat to Seldovia if a record of more than a person prospect was not forwarded. He accused the city of not seriously thinking of other candidates and has managed it is eventually his prerogative to make a decision who is appointed.

The borough was given the authority to also market for metropolis seat vacancies as component of the adjustments approved by assembly customers past December. Immediately after the borough advertised for the Town of Soldotna’s emptiness, four apps have been submitted, according to data attained by the Clarion, which include from Farnsworth-Hutchings and Tautfest. Other candidates integrated Whitney and Marvin St. Clair.

Town council members most just lately forwarded Farnsworth-Hutchings — along with Tautfest — to the borough for thing to consider in March. Confirmation of Tautfest to Soldotna’s seat on the borough setting up fee is incorporated on the assembly’s April 5 meeting agenda. Everyone Pierce picks to fill a vacancy is subject matter to acceptance by assembly users.

Farnsworth-Hutchings stated Wednesday that she “was not surprised” to understand that Pierce was transferring ahead with Tautfest. She reported the only rationale she used for the emptiness to start with was since no one particular else experienced used and because she enjoys group company.

“I figured when we voted on the two names shifting forward that it would be Charlene who was picked out,” Farnsworth-Hutchings reported.

When requested if she felt Pierce’s determination not to appoint her to the fee was private, Farnsworth-Hutchings stated “it undoubtedly was,” including “(Pierce) built his selection.”

“It’s just what takes place,” Farnsworth-Hutchings explained. “That’s politics.”

Pierce declined to remark for this tale. The Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly will meet on Tuesday, April 5 in Soldotna.

Arrive at reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at [email protected]