The Kirkland Design Review Board took another hit last week following the City Council’s controversial support of an appeal of the Bank of America/Merrill Gardens downtown redevelopment project.

Randy Zeiler, executive director of Kirkland-based consulting firm Allied Employers and an alternate for a spot on the DRB, withdrew his application for the position May 8 following the Council’s action.

Following DRB Chair Jeff Bates’ resignation announcement in mid-April, Zeiler was contacted by the city to fill the position. According to his letter of withdrawal, Zeiler had been “excited” by the opportunity and admired the board’s work, but the Council’s recent decision to overturn a project approved by the DRB had changed his mind about working with the city.

“If the Council desires to conduct the design review process themselves then there is no reason to have a Design Review Board,” his letter stated.

He went on to say, “your lack of deference (some would call it a slap in the face) … should have a chilling effect on any citizen considering volunteering for Board work.”

The DRB was scheduled to meet May 19 to consider a Chaffey mixed-use proposal for a four-story building at 206 Lake Street — among other projects — but the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of a quorum. The next scheduled meeting is June 2.