The Plano City Council appointed John Muns as the new Planning and Zoning Commission chair in a Oct. 26 regular meeting. The appointment comes after the commission's former chair, Doug Bender, announced in a regular Oct. 19 meeting that he wanted to step down from his role and serve as a commissioner. Another change on the board came with Commissioner Mark Pittman’s recent resignation. Pittman, who had been on the board since November 2012, resigned at the Oct. 26 meeting. The city council appoints commissioners to the board. Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis. Bender served as a commissioner from November 2013 to January 2015, and became chair of the commission in February.  He said the reason for his stepping down was due to increased travel demands from his job. These demands, he said, would not allow him to devote the time that is required of a chairman. “As a chairman its important to be present ahead of meetings,” he said. “I enjoy my service to P&Z and the city. I am privileged to serve on the board as a commissioner.” The commission consists of eight members who each serve two-year terms. The commissioners make recommendations to the council on zoning and rezoning changes. The commission’s role is also to make recommendations to the city council regarding changes to Plano's comprehensive plan.