By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham City Council approved four appointments to the city’s Planning Commission and Board of Adjustments during a July 21 meeting.

The Council unanimously approved Mayor Gary Waters’ appointment of Fire Chief Danny Ray to fill the unexpired term of Pelham Parks and Recreation Department Billy Crandall.

Crandall submitted his resignation from his seat on the Planning Commission on July 14, citing difficulties in regularly attending meetings. Crandall had served on the Planning Commission for 10 years, and his current term expires on Sept. 30, 2016.

According to the city of Pelham website, the Planning Commission conducts “municipal business as it relates to the Zoning Ordinance.” Ray will join Mildred Lanier, Polly McKay, Kim Speorl, Bob Sinclair, Claude Peacock and Karyl Rice on the board.

The City Council also voted to reappoint both Mike Kelley and Joe O’Brien to the Board of Adjustments and appointed a new board member, Mike Harris. The board meets on a called-basis to discuss variances to the city’s Zoning Ordinance.

Harris moved to Pelham in 1980 and served as a full-time firefighter for nearly 25 years, retiring with the rank of station captain in Aug. 2007. While working for the Fire Department, Harris took residential and commercial building construction classes, and his experience as a firefighter familiarized him with building, safety and fire codes, Harris said in an email to the City Council.

“I want to thank Mr. Harris for his willingness to serve,” City Council President Rick Hayes said during the July 21 meeting.

The four July 21 appointments are part of the City Council’s continuing effort to fill and reactivate city boards. The City Council recently replaced the city’s dormant Industrial Development Board with a new Commercial Development Authority, and on May 19 the City Council approved the appointment of Russell Biciste to a vacant seat on the Pelham Planning Commission.

“We’re doing our best to get these boards caught up and active again,” Hayes said.