ALLENTOWN — The final mayoral appointments for 2015 have been approved by the Borough Council, filling vacancies on boards and commissions.
Mayoral appointments initially appeared on the agenda at the council’s Jan. 6 reorganization meeting, but they became a point of contention among Republicans Dan Wimer and Margaret Rose, Democrats Angela Anthony and Robert Schmitt, and independent council members Madeline Gavin and Wil Borkowski.
On Feb. 10, the council members were largely in agreement with the remaining appointments.
However, Wimer, who had previously warned that denying most of Mayor Stuart Fierstein’s appointments could cause a “shutdown” at the municipal level, voted against the appointments.
Anthony abstained from voting on the appointments to the Planning and Zoning Board because her husband, Douglas Anthony, was among the residents appointed.
In a 4-1 vote with Wimer voting “no,” the council appointed Douglas Anthony, David Yundt, Nancy Tindall and Borkowski to the board. Thomas Fritts and William Hornung were appointed as alternate members.
In a 5-1 vote with Wimer voting “no,” the council appointed Wimer, Tindall and Mahlon Stevens to the Environmental Commission. Patricia Brown and Chelsea Dubrul were appointed as alternate members.
In a 5-1 vote with Wimer voting “no,” Fritts and Jim Vizzioni were appointed to the Economic Development Commission (EDC). Kevin Striker and Jim Bruno were appointed as alternate members. Schmitt will be the council’s liaison to the EDC.
In a 5-1 vote with Wimer voting “no,” the council appointed Gavin, Rose, Fritts, Nancy Wikoff, Martha Ploshay, Jolene Bauer, Jan Meerworth, Rob Strovinski, Kris Danch and Eric Betz to the Historic Streetscape Committee, which was listed as a Special Committee for 2015.
Fierstein did not comment on the council’s vote on the mayoral appointments.
The council approved dates for each board and commission’s reorganization meeting. The Planning and Zoning Board and the Environmental Commission will reorganize at 7 and 7:30 p.m. March 9, respectively. The EDC will reorganize at 9 a.m. March 10.
Contact Andrew Martins at [email protected].