Lines were drawn at city council Aug. 5 when a seemingly routine appointment became a topic of debate.

An appointment by Mayor J. William Reynolds to the Planning Commission received unusually harsh and unexpected scrutiny, specifically from lame-duck councilwomen Grace Crampsie Smith, who was also a Democratic candidate opposing Mayor Reynolds in the May primary election for mayor. He won.

Planning Commission applicants are reviewed by administration, in this case Laura Collins, selected by the mayor, then voted on by council. Finding people who want to serve is difficult in all communities, especially people who have some understanding of city planning.

Crampsie Smith’s concern was an applicant she thought had too much expertise and a self-serving agenda. She was rebuked by councilwomen Hillary Kwiatek and Kiera Wilhelm, both stating that any committee member has the right to recuse themselves from a vote that they have an interest in. Crampsie Smith lashed out at them, stating she found it ”equally concerning that council members Hillary Kwiatek and Kiera Wilhelm [in their] continual lack of objectivity when it comes to the mayor’s actions attacked me.” Council President Michael Colon intervened, reminding council members to maintain some decorum.

The appointee, Richard Pongracz, a realtor and resident, was ultimately appointed to the Planning Commission.

Council’s next regular meeting will be Tuesday Aug. 19, at city hall.