By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Planning Commission may have a new member as early as Monday, May 12, Mayor Gary Waters said during a May 8 Planning Commission work session.

The Planning Commission has had an empty seat since October 15 when Williard Payne resigned due to personal reasons, Planning Commission Secretary Cathy Sweeney said.

Although appointing a new member to the committee is the Mayor’s responsibility, Waters said he plans to bring it in front of the City Council for approval during the May 12 meeting.

“It is my appointment, but I want the Council to concur,” Waters said during the May 8 work session.

The new appointee will serve out the remainder of Willard’s term, which expires in September 2015, and will have the option for reappointment after that term is concluded, Sweeney said.

The new board member will join Mildred Lanier, Polly McKay, Kim Speorl, Bob Sinclair, Claude Peacock, Billy Crandall and Karyl Rice on the Planning Commission.