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DISCUSS AMENDING CITY COUNCIL POLICY CHAPTER 3.02 CITY COUNCIL AND MAYORAL APPOINTMENTS TO BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES AS RELATED TO TERM LIMITS
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Legislation and Environmental Committee receive information and discuss the current term limits for the City’s Boards and Commissions to determine if changes to Council Policy Chapter 3.02 City Council and Mayoral Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees is desired.
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Summary
At the September 18, 2024, Legislation and Environmental Committee directed staff to bring back information for discussion regarding term limits for Boards and Commissions.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City Clerk’s Office has been working diligently to increase the number of applicants to our various Boards and Commission as well as improve process to reduce vacancies and achieve consistent quorums. To continue the success of these efforts, the city needs to achieve enough qualified applicants to fill upcoming end of term vacancies.
Currently, term limits are set to two terms, except for outside agency appointments as defined in Council Policy which are unlimited.
As the City’s needs change and the process evolves, it is necessary to revisit the policy to ensure the process reflects best practices and the goals of the City Council governance.
Present Situation
City Council Policy Chapter 3.02 City Council and Mayoral Appointments to Boards, Commissions, and Committees (Attachment A) holds members to a two-term limit except for external boards as defined in Council Policy. Interested parties with historical knowledge and demonstrated effectiveness are not permitted to continue service after completing two terms. On boards where it is permitted, to avoid business delays that occur while replacements are sought, and new members trained on board specific functions, willing members have stayed active until replaced.
For boards which require specific qualifications, there is a limited pool of potential applicants. As an example, the Cultural Heritage Board has their membership composition defined in Development Code §16.220.010 A.1.Composition
“To the maximum extent possible, the Board shall have at least one member from each of the following categories:
a. One member having extensive real estate experience in the City;
b. One member having extensive experience in the construction industry;
c. One member being an architect licensed by the State;
d. One member being a historian;
e. One member being a professional archaeologist; and
f. One member being a resident of the City for over 40 years.”
Although composition is “to the maximum extent possible,” loss of expertise in the above categories may hinder the decision capabilities of the board.
Increasing or removing the limit would enable interested applicants to continue to serve on boards for which they have developed historical knowledge while maintaining the ability of Councilmembers to select or remove their own representatives.
Additional sections of the Council Policy Manual to consider when discussing changes:
Chapter 3.08 Measure W Oversight Committee (Attachment B)
This chapter holds members of the Measure W Oversight Committee to two terms. Each term is two years. A member would term out after serving four years. The meeting body meets a minimum of twice a year.
Chapter 3.09 Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee (Attachment C)
This chapter sets the term of service for appointees as concurrent with the appointing City Councilmember. This meeting body meets a minimum of twice a year.
Chapter 3.10 Strong Communities Oversight Committee (Attachment D)
This chapter establishes that members shall serve no more than two terms. The originating ordinance, approved by the voters, sets the term for appointees at two years. A member would term out after serving four years. This meeting body meets a minimum of once per year.
It is recommended that the Committee receive information on potential changes to the term limit policy for members of Council appointed Boards and Commissions and provide direction to staff if change is desired.
Financial Summary
There is no direct financial impact from potential changes.
Attachment A - Council Policy Chapter 3.02
Attachment B - Council Policy Chapter 3.08
Attachment C - Council Policy Chapter 3.09
Attachment D - Council Policy Chapter 3.10