WESTFIELD–The city council approved a couple of planning board changes last night, filling a position left vacant recently.
The Westfield City Council, upon the recommendation of the council’s Personnel Action Committee, approved Bernard Puza to the planning board as an alternate member, while also moving Raymond St. Hillaire from the position of alternate to full member. The appointment of St. Hillaire brings the planning board back to the full seven members with Puza taking the position left vacant by St. Hillaire.
According to Westfield’s Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13, Sec. 13-22:
“The planning board shall consist of seven members, with four members constituting a quorum. Additionally, there shall be two associate members who, in the case of a vacancy or of a member’s inability to properly act on specific business before the board, shall be designated by the chairperson to serve in that member’s stead and act in full capacity and on all matters for the duration of said vacancy or business.
For Puza, this is his first position on the planning board but not in an elected position. Just last year, he was elected onto the city’s off-street parking commission, a position he vacated to pursue the planning board position.
His decision to pursue this position was in order to continue what the board has done and to keep fairness.
Bernard Puza, new alternate member for the Westfield Planning Board
“I just want to see fair balance between business and residents,” Puza said. “I think the planning board has done a great job and they inspired me.”
In addition to being a lifelong Westfield resident, Puza also has a history of professional experiences with those in the fields of building and architecture, as he works in sales for Andersen Windows and Doors. He also said that he has experience working with developers and is aware of the processes they face.
For St. Hillaire, his appointment to full planning board member comes after he has previously served six years as an alternate member on the planning board. In addition to being a resident of the city for 30 years, the personnel action committee reported that he is also a Sergeant at the Barnes Regional Airport, but did not specify the division of the armed forces.
Ward 6 City Councilor and personnel action committee member Bill Onyski also highly recommended St. Hillaire for the position.
