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The town of Windsor is continuing its search for residents willing to serve a five-year term on the town’s Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Windsor Town Council completely filled the Windsor Planning Commission with the reappointment of Jesse Taylor on Nov. 1.

There are two positions open on the Windsor BZA.

Town guidelines state that the desired qualities for a BZA member include someone involved in the community, interested or desiring to serve, and someone who does not hold elected office. 

The bylaw requirements state that a Windsor BZA member must be a town resident, shall serve for a term of five years, and shall fulfill the following duties:

• Appeals — hear and decide appeals from any order, requirement, decision or determination made by the planning and zoning administrator or other administrative officer in the administration or enforcement of Article II of a relevant ordinance and the portions of Article I of this ordinance that deal with zoning.
• Variances — authorize, upon original application in specific cases, such variance from the terms of the zoning ordinance.

Windsor Town Manager William Saunders said that since the Town Council’s Oct. 11 meeting, the town had determined that Taylor, who currently serves on the Planning Commission, was willing to be reappointed to another term.

“But also since that Oct. 11 meeting, another town citizen has expressed interest in serving on the town Planning Commission,” Saunders said. “You should have found his resumé enclosed in your packet for consideration.”

Councilman George Stubbs, who serves on the Planning Commission, asked Saunders about Taylor’s work schedule.

Saunders said, “He said that his work schedule is going to free up before next year,” noting that Taylor was going to be more available.

“That has been one of the things that we have discussed, the (Planning Commission) chairman and myself, a couple of times,” Stubbs said. “If Mr. Taylor’s work schedule is going to allow him to participate more frequently, I will make a motion that he be reappointed to the Planning Commission.”

Windsor Mayor Glyn T. Willis said that given where Taylor lives in town, “he brings a different perspective as compared to everybody living on Church Street or something like that, so I think there’s some advantage there with that.”

The council voted 4-0 to reappoint Taylor. Vice Mayor Greg Willis and Councilwoman Kelly Blankenship were not present for the meeting.

During the discussion leading up to the vote, Councilman Walter Bernacki responded positively to Saunders’ announcement of another town citizen being interested in serving.

“It was good to see we have a new interest from someone from the community,” Bernacki said. “Is it possible, Mr. Saunders, maybe to reach out to this individual and say, ‘Hey, we have a BZA position,’ and see if he could use that as a segue maybe for somewhere in the future?”

“Certainly can,” Saunders replied.

Bernacki also suggested that if Taylor is not able to get his schedule changed to continue serving on the Planning Commission, “we’d have (someone) ready to go.”

Mayor Willis said, “Knowing who’s interested in serving is just helpful, because if you come and you’re interested as compared to us, through our connections and so forth, going and seeking people out, there’s a difference there as they look to help and reach out to help.”

The council recommends candidates for the BZA to the chief judge of the Isle of Wight County Circuit Court, who essentially affirms or rejects the council’s recommendation.

For those interested in serving on the BZA, contact Windsor Town Hall at 757-242-4288 or visit it in person at 8 E. Windsor Blvd. Saunders can be reached by email at wsaunders@windsor-va.gov.