2 appointed to Loomis Planning Commission

Peggy Lee joined the Loomis Planning Commission this week, just in time for a raise.

During the first Loomis meeting of the year Tuesday, the Town Council agreed on a Planning Commission stipend increase that's been discussed for years. The council also approved annual planning commission appointments.

Each council member chooses a planning commissioner. Ryan DeMartini was appointed by former Council member Jenny Knisley, so his seat will be vacant in March. The council confirmed Lee's appointment, chosen by newly elected Council member Jan Clark-Crets.

Bonnie London served as Clark-Crets' previous appointee through 2022. Clark-Crets was unseated in 2022 but returned with a November election comeback.

Lee said she has a varied background in business finance, mostly in the health insurance industry. A Loomis resident with her Del Oro family since 2016, Lee was president of the Allendale, New Jersey, Women's Club and elected to the Allendale School Board.

“I love Loomis and was excited to get the phone call from Jan,” Lee said Tuesday.

Re-elected Council member Danny Cartwright stayed with his previous appointee, Nate DiPillo.

“He works for the Office of Emergency Services. He's an appointee by the governor to that position. He's well-versed and experienced in emergency situations and preparedness at the state level. He brings that to us as a benefit for the Town, should we ever have a need for such," said Cartwright.

After lengthy discussion, the Town Council also decided to increase the planning commissioner monthly meeting stipend to $125, the first raise in 20 years.

The last increase was in 2004, from $25 a month to the current $50 a month. Last year, the council decided to make such raises a resolution rather than by ordinance.

Discussion ranged from $75 to $150. Some suggested half of what council members make, given the unsung research hours performed. Each council member is paid $176 twice a month, or roughly $350 a month before taxes, said Council Member Stephanie Youngblood and Mayor David Ring.

“I think we're getting to that point where we're stepping over dollars to pick up pennies," said Cartwright.

Without taking action, the council gave direction to staff to prepare an increase to $125 for later approval.

“It's a very small price to pay for our commission to feel appreciated and valued," said Council Member Amanda Cortez.