By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham City Council approved Mayor Gary Waters’ appointment of Russell Biciste to the Pelham Planning Commission during a May 19 meeting.

Biciste and his wife have been Pelham residents for more than 10 years, and Biciste has served on the city’s Board of Adjustments since 2008. Biciste was elected to be the co-chair of the Board of Adjustments in 2013.

“I (believe) it’s every citizen’s duty to help out the community,” Biciste said to the City Council, expressing his desire to serve on the Planning Commission during a May 19 City Council work session.

Waters characterized Biciste as “always prompt and always fair” during a May 12 City Council work session.

Although the appointment did not need the City Council’s approval, Waters said he wanted the “Council to concur” with his choice.

Biciste will fill the remainder of Willard Payne’s unexpired term ending on September 30, 2015. Payne resigned his seat for personal reasons on October 15, 2013.

“(Biciste) is very reliable, and when we need a quorum, Russell (Biciste) is always there,” Waters said.

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