By Jason Islas
Staff Writer

December 6, 2011 -- Santa Monica's Planning Commission could be without any architects for the first time in at least a quarter century after the City Council fills one remaining vacancy Tuesday night.

The vacated seat was held by Architect Hank Koning, who resigned in October after the City Attorney's office began enforcing a state law that forbids board and commission members from submitting proposals for City projects.

In addition to Koning, Planning Commissioner Gwynn Pugh and Architectural Review Board (ARB) Chair Michael Folonis both stepped down so that their firms could continue doing business in the City. Folonis had planned to apply for the vacancy on the Planning Commission before he resigned from the ARB.

“I think not to have at least one architect on the Planning Commission is short-sighted,” said Folonis, who is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. “When there are architects on the commission, the dialogue becomes much, much richer.”

Planning Commissioner Ted Winterer agrees. “It's unfortunate that we've lost two talented architects that were very helpful,” he said.

“We don't necessarily possess the vocabulary to express our concerns about architectural issues... which is especially critical at this juncture,” Winterer added, noting that the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) emphasizes “improving the quality of the city's built environment.”

However, Winterer said he understands the concern.

“The state law is very strict and has very severe consequences,” he added.

It's not just the Planning Commission and ARB that have been affected, according to Council member Kevin McKeown.

“The recent resignations have devastated some of our commissions,” McKeown said, adding that two Arts Commissioners have resigned.

Government Code Section 1090, the law that has led to the three most recent resignations, says “city officers or employees shall not be financially interested in any contract made by them in their official capacity, or by any board or commission they serve on.”

Folonis is worried that the Council may turn Tuesday's decision into a political appointment, “not based on skills, education, training or experience” and that the Planning Commission would end up with “someone who is barely qualified.”

Winterer is more optimistic, saying that no matter what, the Commission will continue to do the highest quality job despite “a little speed bump.”

“It's a shame that the tremendously talented people we have in Santa Monica have to choose between serving on commissions and being free to pursue their careers, but we can do nothing about California Code 1090 except help our volunteers avoid violations,” McKeown said.

Of the 14 applicants that the Council will consider, only one is an architect: John Berley, who is an architectural associate and project manager with Frederick Fisher & Partners.

Some of the other candidates, like Robert Gardner, Leo Savoie, Jodi Summers and Amy Chow have experience as realtors. Urban Forest Task Force Member Tom Cleys cites his Masters in Real Estate Development.

Amy Nancy Anderton has a Master's in Urban Planning and has worked on planning low-income housing in Los Angeles.

Former Mayor and Planning Commissioner Paul Rosenstein is also vying for the position, as well as Environmental Law and Land Use Attorney Corin Khan.

Also among the candidates are community activists Albin Gielcz, who has served on the Social Services Commission; Elan Glasser who has has served on the Ocean Park Community Organization's Board of Directors, and Allan Lipsky, who served as president of the Pier Restoration Corporation Board.

Also applying is Paul Shaw, a Certified Public Accountant and Bennet Kelley, a former local columnist.