Planing Commission Pays Tribute to Lauren Meister

The Planning Commission took time at the end of Thursday's meeting to pay tribute to former Commissioner Lauren Meister, whose last meeting was on Feb. 16.

Meister was appointed in May by John D'Amico shortly after he was elected to the City Council. D'Amico is who served on the commission from 1996-2011 as the appointee of Councilman John Heilman.

Members of the Planning Commission Thursday said they would miss working with Meister.

Commissioner Roy Huebner, who joined the committee in June as the appointee of Mayor John Duran, said he felt more at ease being new thanks to Meister.

“I really appreciated her dedication and perspective,” he said. “I really liked her dedication to detail.”

Commissioner David Aghaei, who replaced Altschul as Heilman’s appointee applauded Meister's work on the Commission.

“She did a good job representing the community generally and their interests," Aghaei said. "I’m sure it’s not the last we will see of her.”

Commissioner Marc Yeber, appointee of Councilwoman Abbe Land, commented Meister had the ability to notice things that might otherwise have been missed when discussing a particular project or issue.

“I will miss her,” Yeber said. “I hope to see her as frequently as possible here at the commission.”

Commissioner Sue Buckner, an at-large appointee, agreed.

“I look forward to her coming here often, which I expect she will [do] and offering her perspective in public comment,” Buckner said.

“She will be missed,” said Commissioner Donald DeLuccio, appointed in 1997 by Councilman Jeff Prang. “I’m sure we will see her not only at this Commission, but also in service to the community in a lot of ways.”

Commission Chair Alan Bernstein, a four-year at-large appointee, said Meister elevated the group’s discussion. “Whatever her perspective is, I look forward to hearing more of it,” Bernstein said.

Meister was not present at the meeting to hear these tributes.

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