Council at odds over residency rule

Some people in Montgomery want the city to change its residency rule for people serving on city boards and commissions.

City Administrator Brian Heck reminded the council on Monday, Oct. 15 that it unanimously approved the requirement on February 20, 2018, that stipulates residents who serve on city boards and commissions have to live within the corporate limits of the city or a two-mile radius of city limits. The exception is the Economic Development Authority that requires two non-resident members to be business owners.

As a result of this decision, two members of the Planning and Zoning Commission have been impacted by the council’s decision. Kevin Kriha and Jake Edel each live in Montgomery but outside of the two-mile radius, Kriha - three miles out, and Edel two. Edel serves as the vice chair and has a term that expires this year. Kriha’s term expires in 2020.

On October 9, commission members agreed to recommend the council change the residency requirements or amend the ordinance to allow a member to have a primary mailing address in Montgomery or operate a business in Montgomery. Heck said the council had originally looked at residency requirements and term limits last winter because the city was having a hard time getting people to fill the positions.

“The city has had a significant challenge in bringing members on these boards,” he stated.

The council discussed it again during its October 15 meeting.

Councilor Mick McGuire felt strongly that the council’s decision stands.

“There are certain laws in government that you have to follow,” he stated. “If you are making decisions that are part of the governance of the community then you should be a taxpayer resident of that jurisdiction.”

Resident Tim Bisek agreed with McGuire but clarified....

To see more on this story pick up the October 25, 2018 print edition of the Montgomery Messenger.