REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Approve Updates to Board/Commission Application Questions and Remove Demographic Information Questions
Report
BACKGROUND
On September 24, 2024, the City Council directed staff to schedule City Council review of the Board/Commission Application questions in the first quarter of each year on the consent calendar, and to include the Board/Commission Application in the annual Joint Study Session between the City Council and Board/Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs. The Board/Commission Application was included in the November 19, 2024, and November 18, 2025, Joint Study Sessions between the City Council and Board/Commission Chairs and Vice Chairs.
On January 14, 2025, City Council provided edits and additional questions to include in the Board/Commission Application (RTC No. 25-0179). During the January 2025 discussion, members of the public and Councilmembers raised concerns with the inclusion of demographic information questions with the Board/Commission Application. In May 2025, an optional demographic survey was launched for current Board and Commission Members.
EXISTING POLICY
Council Policy 7.2.19 (Boards and Commissions)
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a "project" with the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
DISCUSSION
The questions and proposed changes to the Board/Commission Application and the Board/Commission Incumbent Reappointment Application, along with the Demographic Information questions, are included in Attachments 1, 2 and 3. The voluntary demographic questions are currently asked on both applications. Attachment 4 includes links to the applications on the City's website. Some of these questions have been edited since City Council's last review to meet the City'...
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