Wednesday, June 1, 2005

Burns to replace Parsons on Ketchum P&Z


By REBECCA MEANY
Express Staff Writer

The vacant seat on Ketchum's Planning and Zoning Commission has been filled by a local business owner and chairwoman of the Ketchum Retailers' Alliance.

The Ketchum City Council on Friday, May 27, unanimously approved the appointment of Deborah "Burnsie" Burns, proprietor of Burnsie's Boca Mountain clothing shop, to the P&Z.

The vacancy was created May 16 when Commissioner Ron Parsons was appointed to the City Council. He took the seat vacated by Councilwoman Christina Potters, who resigned due to illness.

Out of five applicants, Mayor Ed Simon nominated Burns due to her connection to and involvement in city affairs.

"She's rooted to the community as a resident and as a business owner," the mayor said. "Debbie Burns has been instrumental in working with the merchants' group and almost single-handedly has been responsible for the (merchant's) kiosk map system."

Burns' role as a business person also made her an attractive candidate, Simon said.

"I like to have a little diversity in backgrounds," he said. "I wanted someone with more of a background like Ron Parsons, and someone who lived here and is not involved in the development industry."

Two architects and a building contractor are already on the commission, Simon said.

Burns will step into her new role Thursday, June 2, when the Planning and Zoning Commission tackles design review for the proposed Wood River Community YMCA.

"(The position) is probably hard for anyone who's not an architect or a building contractor and hasn't been involved in planning and zoning issues," Simon said, adding that he has confidence in the new appointee.

"She's not a talker, she's a doer," he said of Burns. "She has the desire, energy and is ready, willing and able."

P&Z commissioners serve three-year terms, but Burns will be taking over Parsons' seat mid-term, which runs through April 2006. Commissioners can serve two terms.

Burns could not be reached for comment.




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