REPORT TO HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review Council Policy 7.2.19 (Boards and Commissions) to Allow Board/Commission Members to Respond to Requests to Meet with Members of the Public
Report
BACKGROUND
On November 14, 2023, the City Council held a joint study session with Board and Commission (B/C) Chairs and Vice Chairs. The purpose of the study session was to convene an annual discussion regarding B/C effectiveness, and to invite input from B/C members to the City Council.
The input during this annual round of discussion was substantial. The November meeting resulted in over a dozen suggested improvements or modifications for consideration. Seven items were policy-based and were referred to the Council Subcommittee on Boards and Commissions (Subcommittee) for consideration.
On February 14, 2024, the Subcommittee discussed the seven policy items as well as additional items introduced by the Subcommittee. At that meeting, the Subcommittee proposed increasing the size of the Human Relations Commission from five members to seven members. The Subcommittee requested staff follow up after its February meeting and met again on June 26, 2024 to further refine its recommendations to the full Council.
On September 24, 2024, the City Council considered the recommendations from the Subcommittee and provided direction on several of the Subcommittee recommendations. This included directing staff to return with required policy documentation to allow Board/Commission Members to respond to requests to meet with members of the public received by the respective Board/Commission AnswerPoint.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.2.19 (Boards and Commissions)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
N/A
DISCUSSION
The existing prohibition on Board and Commission Members responding to emails from the public comes from Council Policy 7.2.19 (Boards and Commissions), Section 2.I.(III) Board and Commission Role Outside of Meetings. This section does not permit Board and Commission Members to represent their respective Board or Commission outside of public meetings of their Board/Commission.
The updates to this Council Policy would permit Board and Commission Members to respond to requests to meet with members of the public in order to schedule such meetings.
The Council adopted this policy on December 10, 2024.
No motion is needed for this item, this is simply an opportunity for review and questions.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Updates to Council Policy 7.2.19 on Boards and Commissions