The Philomath Planning Commission will operate with six members through the end of the year following the October resignation of longtime resident John Barlow.
Barlow, who was appointed to the seven-member volunteer commission in January 2023 for a term running through 2026, resigned following a change in residency after 24 years in Philomath. The city plans to advertise the vacancy and appoint a replacement in January.
City Manager Chris Workman praised Barlow’s contributions during commission meetings, particularly his ability to refocus discussions on relevant criteria.
“I’ve always been appreciative of being able to rely on you in those Planning Commission meetings,” Workman told him. “And especially in public hearings, I could always rely on John to bring the entire Planning Commission back to ‘what’s the criteria? What are we supposed to be looking at?’ And really looking at it judiciously, if you will.”
Barlow, an attorney specializing in employment and family law, expressed appreciation for his time on the commission.
“It has been a pleasure to serve,” Barlow said. “I have a lot of admiration for our city manager. Chris has just been a really great leader and it’s been a difficult time because we’ve had a fair amount of turnover on the commission and on the planning staff as well.”
During his final comments to the council, Barlow highlighted the importance of local journalism to community engagement.
“I think one of the things that really strikes me that really makes Philomath stronger and has over the last several years is we’re not a news desert,” he said. “We have very vibrant local news … I think it has really made a huge difference in the way that people are connected in this great city of volunteers.”
Workman noted Barlow’s lasting influence on Philomath.
“I can tell by talking to people, the kind of fingerprints that you’ve left on the community,” he said. “You are Philomath residents and always will be regardless of where you live.”
Current Planning Commission members include Timothy Melott (chair), Josiah Jessen (vice chair), Darlene Rose, Van Hunsaker, Kyle Cupp and Sarah Coulter-Mitchell. Spencer Irwin serves as the City Council liaison.
The City Council unanimously approved a motion to advertise the vacancy. Other vacancies involving expiring terms will also be advertised, including Rose’s seat on the commission.
The Planning Commission has various roles, including the review of development proposals, zoning changes and land-use applications before making recommendations to the City Council.
