A change in Hideout Planning Commission rules and regulations is creating tension between town officials. In a Nov. 13 Town Council meeting, the Planning Commission suggested two changes to the commission’s rules. One rule simply seeks to allow planning commissioners to elect a chair and vice chair at the first meeting of the new year by a majority vote. But the confusion lies with the second proposed change. By removing two words in its rules and regulations, the Planning Commission hopes to reduce the Town Council’s power to remove a commissioner. As of now, the regulations state the Town Council may remove any planning commissioner with or without cause.  The Planning Commission is seeking to eliminate “or without” from the regulations, which leaves the Town Council with the option to remove a commissioner within reason. “We were just concerned that because somebody (on the Town Council) didn’t like us … they could get rid of us. Or if they didn’t like the way we were voting, they could get rid of us,” said Planning Commission Chair Glynnis Tihansky.  Tihansky said the Planning Commission’s timing for the change comes with the upcoming new year, but also in the wake of the recent general election, which she considered contentious. Town Councilors like Jonathan Gunn, however, believe the language for removal should stay the same. “The Planning Commission is not elected; they’re appointed. If (the change is) successful, they’ll be unaccountable and unelected officials,” Gunn said. “I think anyone with government power should be accountable to someone, somewhere, somehow.” Gunn said there is no problem with the Planning Commission seeking to elect a chair and vice chair annually.  Hideout Planning Commission members sit on the appointed body for typical four-year terms. Two commissioners’ terms expire in 2026: Chase Winder and Joel Pieper. Two alternate members’ terms, Brad Airmet and Catherine Woltering, are also expiring in 2026.  Tihansky said the change is not so serious. If there is just cause, a commissioner could still be removed. For instance, if any member was absent from two consecutive regularly scheduled meetings or a total of four meetings per year, that individual may be asked to resign or be removed.  “So they can remove with cause, “ Tihansky said.  The Town Council is expected to vote on the change in January. The post Hideout Planning Commission seeks change in removal regulations appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less