The city council unanimously approved a residency waiver request from City Manager Fidel Maltez on Monday night that will allow current Zoning Board Chair Janice Tatarka to continue to serve on the board.
According to Maltez, Tatarka recently informed the city that she is moving out of Chelsea. The residency waiver approval will allow her to fill out her current term, which expired next February.
“Janice Tatarka has been a long term resident of Chelsea and she has served on the board since the early 1990s, including the last five years as chair,” stated Maltez.
Maltez noted that Tatarka has a considerable public service background, as well as education and training that makes her qualified for her position on the ZBA.
“In addition to her experience on the Zoning Board of Appeals, her experience in Chelsea includes a position on the board of directors for HarborCOV and the Zonta Club of Chelsea and North Shore,” stated Maltez. “Her extensive time on the board has provided her with a deep knowledge and direct experience with regulations and laws relative to zoning, plan review, and procedural requirements.”
Maltez noted that the city’s administrative code, charter, and state law allow for the waiver.
District 7 Councilor Manuel Teshe said that Tatarka has a strong record of being an involved and invested member of the community and has put in an outstanding effort on the ZBA.
“She is an outstanding member who does deserve the privilege of having that waiver approved,” said Teshe. “However, it is with the understanding that this will not mean a reappointment to the board unless she lives in the city of Chelsea.”
District 8 Councilor Calvin Brown said Tatarka has served the city and the ZBA with dedication, honesty, and has shown up to every meeting.
“This is something that we have done in the past when we could not have filled a board with someone right away, that if the person was willing, even though they moved out of the city to still continue in that position, we would give them the opportunity,” said Brown.
However, Brown said the city must continue to look for other residents who are willing to serve on boards and commissions when openings do come up.