Council finalizes appointments to boards, commissions

Avon Lake City Council members approved appointments to a number of boards and commissions at their Jan. 2 organizational meeting.

Michael Lisi was appointed to a five-year term on the Planning Commission replacing outgoing chairman James Simonovich.

“(Lisi) has been working on strategic planning with the schools and he would be a great bridge on the Planning Commission,” said Second Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Fenderbosch.

David Updegraff, former president of the Avon Lake School Board, will serve a five-year term on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Updegraff served on the Board of Education for 17 years and will replace Andrew Perry on the Zoning Board.

On the Parks and Recreation Commission, Richard Mack was reappointed to a three-year term.

“(Mack) brought a new and unique perspective to the commission, said First Ward Councilman Rob James. “He’s been an excellent addition in my short time working with him, and I fully support his continued participation on the commission. And I’m pleased that the mayor (Greg Zilka) decided to reappoint him.”

James also was reappointed as the council representative to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Retired police officer Jim Janis was appointed to a six-year term to serve on the Civil Service Commission.

“(Janis) brings a special perspective to that body balancing and adding to the comments of people who have been in business and have had experience in the business side of the argument,” Zilka said.

Residents Rita George, Erin McDevitt-Frantz, Marty Patton, Christine Raymond, Kip Sekulic, Julie Vaccaro and Terry Wyrock all were re-appointed to two-year terms to continue their work serving on the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board.

“These members have served the Environmental Affairs Advisory Board with passion,” Fenderbosch said. “They all come from different backgrounds and they have agreed to continue.”

Barbara Rudge and Glendalee Burns were reappointed to the Historic Preservation Commission. The Preservation Commission also has a new member, Tom Tyler. Members will serve two-year terms.

Additional appointments include:

• Citizens Tree Commission — Russell Beck and Matt Collier reappointed to three-year terms

• Cable Advisory Commission — Weldon Rice and Ron Jauntz reappointed to three year terms

• Income Tax Board of Review — Joseph Adams, John Hall and Tim McNeil reappointed to two-year terms

• Affirmative Action Commission — Tom Harmon reappointed for a new two-year term.