FILLMORE : Applicants Sought for Planning Panel

The city of Fillmore is taking applications for a new planning commissioner after the resignation of commission Chairman Eric Sakowicz. Applications can be obtained from the city clerk at City Hall on Sespe Avenue.

City officials said candidates must live within Fillmore city limits. A background in development is helpful but not necessary, as long as the applicant is interested in growth issues.

Planning commissioners, who serve four-year terms, receive a monthly honorarium of $50. The commission meets on the third Thursday of each month and holds occasional special sessions. About four hours of preparation is required for each meeting, including review of written materials and visits to building sites, said Tony Perez of the city Planning Department.

Sakowicz said he is leaving Fillmore to live nearer to his Thousand Oaks environmental-consulting firm, Impact Sciences. He has served on the commission for six of his seven years as a Fillmore resident and has been chairman for the past two years.

Sakowicz said he has enjoyed his time on the seven-member panel. “The commission has to rely on its knowledge of the community and common sense, and I think they’ve been very effective,” he said. “It’s been fun.”

Planning Commission Vice Chairman Ernie Villegas will act as chairman until the City Council reviews applications and appoints a new commissioner.