published: Thursday, November 20, 2008

Instead of whining -- take action

By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY

christopher.tuffley@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Those residents of Sebring who spend their days complaining about where the city is heading now have an opportunity to put their efforts where their opinions are.

Three regular members of the Planning and Zoning Board - Bob Saffold, Robert Horne and Chuck Wilburn - have fulfilled their two-year terms of office and will be stepping down Dec. 31. Likewise, alternate member Dawn Dell-Gillilan will be leaving.

While some of these members may re-apply for their positions, it also means other individuals have a chance to be selected instead.

Board members do not receive any compensation. The reward comes from being a vital part of the city's future by serving as an advisory committee to the city council. In that function the board conducts studies and investigations deemed necessary to the development of the city.

It is responsible for hearing appeals made by people who disagree with the decisions made by the zoning supervisor or other city officials concerning zoning. Board members, at publicly noticed meetings, have the authority to grant variances in cases where a property owner can prove special conditions make a literal enforcement of zoning regulations an unnecessary hardship -- provided the variance is not contrary to the public interest.

Typically, the board meets once a month, at 5:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month, but it may also meet for additional workshops throughout the year.

Gary Lower, zoning supervisor, warns that board members actually work. The position is not a glory one, but work-a-day.

"They have the responsibility for preparing all research on the comprehensive plan," he said.

At the same time, he added, it is a position from which an individual can have an impact on the city's future growth. "I've got a board I'm really proud of," he said, whose members take their responsibilities seriously. Current members span a range of backgrounds with a mix of engineers, contractors, Realtors, and neighborhood activists. "We're looking for common sense type people," Lower said.

Those interested in serving should submit resumes to Lower, at city hall, by Monday, Dec. 8. Call 471-5100 for more information.