City Planning Commission fills last seat

The Willows City Council Tuesday appointed Peggy White to fill the vacancy on the Planning Commission.

White was the stalwart of the Glenn County Planning Department for more than two decades. She worked her way up from secretary to senior planner.

In 2001, White was appointed as the Public Works Program manager, where she was in charge of running operations of the Willows and Orland airports as well as serving as the staffer for the Glenn County Transportation Commission.

The Transportation Commission is an agency made up of selected members of the Glenn County Board of Supervisors and Willows and Orland city councils.

Prior to county work, White helped the late Andy Huston found AMH Films Opus Theatre in downtown Willows and was one of Huston's original employees.

She's a member of the Willows Lion Club and the a member of the Greater Willows Improvement League.

"Peggy has a lot of experience," said Councilwoman Terry Taylor-Vodden, who sat on the subcommittee that selected White. "She has the experience to hit the ground running."

White will replace former Commissioner Larry Domenighini, who was elected to the City Council in November.

Domenighini, who served on the Planning Commission since 2006, was also a member of the selection committee.

Vodden and Domenighini also considered former city employee Shirley Benningfield and former Mayor Gary Hansen for the post.

City officials said they couldn't have been happier about the candidates.

"All three were qualified," said Mayor Jeff Cobb. "They are all well liked and involved in the community."

White said Tuesday she is looking forward to serving.

As she said when she applied, White believes Willows faces a lot of challenges, especially when it comes to providing senior housing and support services, such as medical and transportation.

White also looks forward to planning for the future.

"I would like to officer my background to assist in making Willows a livable community for all ages," she said.

White will serve the remainder of Domenighini's 4-year term, which expires on Dec. 31, after which she will be eligible for reappointment.

The Planning Commission will hold a joint meeting with the City Council at 5 p.m. April 9.

City officials said it has been several years since a joint meeting has been held, and it was time to get a discussion started on new issues.

Both agencies plan to put together a list of possible topics.