Rick Kunz, Simi Valley planning commissioner, has given notice of his intention to leave the planning commission at the end of his current term, which is up in December.

Kunz has been on the commission for 12 years ever since Mayor Paul Miller nominated him during his first year in elective office.

Miller said there is no doubt that Kunz will be missed.

"When I first selected Rick, I expected he would be a thoughtful, independent commissioner who would keep the ideal of continually improving our community's quality of life foremost in mind," Miller said.

"He has certainly lived up to my expectations, and I am sorry to lose his significant experience and perspective on the commission. Rick has done an excellent job and has made a valuable contribution to our community."

Miller has stated his intention to nominate Keith Mashburn to fill the vacancy.

Mashburn, a longtime Simi Valley resident, retired from the Ventura County Fire Protection District in 2004 and is currently a local business owner.

The nomination is expected to be presented to the City Council for approval when the new council terms begin in December.

Planning commission terms of office run concurrently with the nominating council member's term of office.