Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee
TO: MAYOR’S NOMINATING AND SCREENING DATE: AUGUST 6, 2024
COMMITTEE
FROM: CITY CLERK WARDS: ALL
SUBJECT: CONSIDER A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE AND ORDER OF BUSINESS ISSUE:
Consider establishing a process for a comprehensive review of the Boards and Commissions and establishing rules of procedure and order of business.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee consider establishing a process for a comprehensive review of the Boards and Commissions and establishing rules of procedure and order of business.
BACKGROUND:
Boards and Commissions play a crucial role in the city's governance and decision-making processes by providing specialized expertise, community representation, and independent oversight on various public issues. However, many of the boards and commissions need to be updated or aligned with the city's current needs and strategic priorities in terms of functionality, composition, and governing rules and regulations.
The Governmental Processes Committee (GPC) thoroughly reviewed the City Council Rules of Procedure and Order of Business. On July 6, 2022, the City Management team presented information to the GPC regarding the pros and cons of the city's existing processes and practices for all Boards and Commissions. During the meeting, the GPC instructed staff to propose new language for a separate resolution addressing Boards and Commissions’ purview and reporting structure.
Upon further assessment, staff identified several compelling reasons to thoroughly review the boards and commissions, including poor attendance, broad span of control, and lack of clear objectives.
DISCUSSION
Periodic comprehensive reviews of Boards and Commissions are essential to ensure that these bodies effectively serve their intended purposes and remain accountable to the public. Such reviews will address evolving priorities, demographic shifts, operational inefficiencies, and accountability concerns.
It is recommended that the Mayor's Nominating and Screening Committee establish a working group to comprehensively inventory and assess the functionality, composition, and governing rules of existing Boards and Commissions and evaluate each body's continued relevance and effectiveness.
Upon completing the comprehensive review, staff will propose new language for a separate resolution addressing the purview and reporting structure of boards and commissions.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The Mayor’s Nominating and Screening Committee consideration for establishing a process for the number and role of boards and commissions and the composition of rules of procedure and order of business contributes to Strategic Plan Priority #5 – High Performing Government Goal 5.3 - Enhance communication and collaboration with community members to improve transparency, build public trust, and encourage shared decision-making.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this report.
Prepared by: Donesia Gause, City Clerk
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