At last night's meeting, Nelsonville City Council members unanimously appointed four new members to the planning commission of the city planning and development committee.
J.R. Blackburn, Roxanne Divivier, Anita Winner and Fritz Bookman are the new members of the planning commission along with Charlie Pancake.
Four former commission members resigned Feb. 9 because of the council's decision to appoint Pancake to the commission.
Winner said she was excited about being appointed to the commission.
I appreciate their trust in me. I will try to do the best for our community
said Winner, owner of Busy Bobbins Gifts in Nelsonville. I think we are heading into a very exciting time in Nelsonville history.
Pancake congratulated Winner, who was present at the meeting.
We're going to get the job done baby Pancake said.
The planning commission will begin working on the comprehensive plan this month, which includes general improvements to Nelsonville.
Council members also heard a proposal from Dale Minor, program director of the Nelsonville Mayors Court Diversion Program and program coordinator for Hocking College alcohol and drug education.
The proposal requested use of the space at the former Nelsonville police station and city service building located on U.S. Route 33.
We would need two or three rooms on the second floor of the building
and we would provide the necessary materials to bring the rooms to functional level
Minor said.
The diversion program has been operating for nine months under the direction of mayor Clinton Stanley and Minor. It was developed to prevent Nelsonville citizens and Hocking College students from repeating alcohol and drug-related offenses.
The program provides intervention and educational services.
Minor said that space is needed in order to meet the program's growth in participants.
The program initially started dealing with underage consumption. It grew and other parts came into play
he said.
Councilman Greg Smith added his support to the proposal.
Because of the Mayor's Court
we don't have a lot of college kids getting in trouble. We let them know 'you are here for an education
not to ruin your lives.'
The proposal stated that since the program began, more than 100 individuals have been through intervention. Less than
5 percent have repeated offenses, and 95 percent have used the experience to better their lives.
If anybody doubts that the program works
all you need to do is come to a meeting
and you'll see it's a better way than just fining them and sending them on their way
Stanley said.
City Manager Fred Holmes referred the proposal to the planning and development committee for further review.
Pancake is in favor of the proposal. He gave a report on the drug and alcohol subcommittee of the college community committee. The next meeting is at 6:30 p.m. March 30 at Nelsonville City Building, 211 Lake Hope Drive.
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