Another Planning Commissioner Resigns

Hank Koning, who joined the commission six and a half years ago, announced his resignation Wednesday night.

Koning told Santa Monica Patch on Thursday that he resigned because of a new policy that precludes any board member or commission member from contracting with the city for work. In May, Gwynne Pugh resigned from the commission for the same reason.

Koning made his announcement during a special commission meeting that saw Richard McKinnon formally assume the seat left vacant by Pugh. As Koning told Santa Monica Patch, it was no coincidence that he decided to make his announcement at that meeting.

"I was waiting till we had a new member in there, so we had a full count of commissioners," he said. "I thought that would be an appropriate time for me to step down."

In order for a measure to be approved by the commission, four of its seven members must vote yes.

Prior to the city's new policy, commissioners only had to recuse themselves from voting on a proposal if they were working with the city on a related project.

"Now, they're saying that's not enough, because people are so concerned about conflicts of interest," Koning said, noting the scandals in California cities including Bell, Compton and Vernon.

"It's a little unfortunate, because it means it would be difficult to perhaps attract another architect or urban designer to the commission," he added. "In this particular economic climate, it's hard enough as it is."

Koning is the vice president of Koning Eizenberg, a Santa Monica-based architecture firm that was founded in 1981. He also serves as the principal in charge of technical, regulatory and administrative issues.

In addition, Koning is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, and a member of the U.S. Green Building Council.

It is not yet clear who will replace Koning on the planning commission; the decision will be up to the .

Koning had kind words to say about the council's decision to appoint McKinnon, who previously served on the Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Commission. "He's very enthusiastic and passionate, and wants to make Santa Monica an even better place than it is," he said.

Koning had no difficulty identifying what he considers to be the planning commission's biggest achievement during his tenure.

"Obviously, [it] is seeing the through the myriad of community meetings and workshops we had," he said. "Seeing that pass through the planning commission on a unanimous vote and the city council on a unanimous vote was clearly the high point."

Koning said he has mixed feeling about leaving the commission.

"Do I enjoy being up till 2 or 3 a.m. [for the meetings]? No. But it's great being able to affect the future of Santa Monica," he said.