ABOVE: Peter Bode, Fairmont's planner and zoning official.

FAIRMONT– The city of Fairmont’s Planner and Zoning Official, Peter Bode, resigned from his role on Friday. Bode had been with the city since 2019.

Per the city’s website, the planning and zoning department is responsible for the long-range planning needs of the city, as well as the enforcement of the city’s zoning and subdivision regulations. The department’s mission is also guided by the 2040 Comprehensive Plan.

In his resignation letter, Bode said, “our community is a special one whose potential is so often hidden behind rancor and divisiveness. I strongly believe that a renewed sense of positivity among citizens and leaders can bring Fairmont’s potential to the fore and we can chart exciting new paths towards embracing change, welcoming the new and young among us, building the community center, investing in clean water and safe roads, insisting on good governance practices and treating one another with respect.”

Speaking more specifically to why Bode ended his employment with the city, he said, “the city administration and I disagreed on the appropriateness of the amount of influence individual city councilors have gained over the administrative duties of staff and that became untenable for me. I wish the city the very best moving forward.”

In his letter, addressed to interim administrator Jeff O’Neill, Bode indicated that he was willing to work with staff to ensure a smooth transition.

His resignation comes less than three months after former city administrator Matt Skaret’s, as well as soon after hearings of harassment complaints from city staff against council members.