FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 6, 2023
Town Council appoints Fernau, Pence to Planning and Zoning Commission
PINETOP-LAKESIDE, Ariz. - The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside Town Council has appointed local
residents Todd Fernau and Joseph Pence to fill two vacancies on the Town's Planning and Zoning
Commission. The vacancies were the result of the resignations of James Brimhall, who was elected to
the Town Council last August, and Richard Smith, who stepped down after 15 years of service due to
time constraints. Both appointments run through July 24, 2024.
Mr. Fernau and Mr. Pence were two of six applicants to fill the seats. The other applicants were
Derrick Cavey, Daniela Dekova, David Kutis, and Jeffrey Phillips.
Mr. Fernau has been a resident of the area since 1978, with an extensive background as a
business owner and in real estate. Currently a residential and commercial real estate agent, Mr. Fernau
is the former owner of Cycle Mania (2003-2019) and was a key figure in starting the "Tour of the White
Mountains" bike race.
Mr. Pence is a full-time resident of Pinetop and currently works remotely as a senior civil
engineer for the City of Scottsdale. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus in Pinetop and a former president of the Rim Country Rotary Club in Payson.
"I am grateful to the six applicants who were willing to serve the community," said Pinetop-
Lakeside Mayor Stephanie Irwin. "We had a strong slate of candidates, any of whom would have
brought great skills and experience to the commission. I congratulate Mr. Fernau and Mr. Pence, and I
look forward to working with them."