After more than a decade a chairman of the Dawson County Planning Commission, Dick Bergen conducted his last meeting on Feb. 16.

To commemorate his 12 years of service, he was presented with a plaque by Dawson County Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Berg, a longtime friend who appointed Bergen to the position.

"Dick is a multi-talented friend that provided service to Dawson citizens by his long tenure as chair of the planning and zoning commission and advice to me in telecommunication and other matters," Berg said.

The planning commission hears matters of variance and zonings, and makes recommendations to the board of commissioners for final approval.

"Dick always studied variance and zoning applications by visiting each site, talking to applicants and providing information to his fellow commissioners," Berg said. "Dick's expertise, attitude and leadership will be missed."

Bergen, who worked on the development of the county's comprehensive land use plan, said he was proud to serve his community.

"We fought through a lot of changes back then. The economy was not good in the early 2000s. So we've seen some changes in the economy," he said. "I really believe we've done a lot of good in the community in protecting the type of community that Dawson County wants.

"We've tried to make architecture commensurate with the community and we've tried to control the growth to make sure it was managed well. I think we've done a reasonably good job."

Bergen and his wife Marianne have purchased a new home in a retirement community in Hall County.

Charlie Tarver, who has served as his alternate for many years, will assume his position on the planning commission in the interim.