HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 1: Ordinance on Boards and Commissions
ECC
UGENE ITY OUNCIL
AIS
GENDA TEM UMMARY
Public Hearing: An Ordinance Concerning Boards, Commissions and Committees;
Amending Section 2.013 of the Eugene Code, 1971; and Providing for an Effective Date
Meeting Date: September 21, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 1
Department: Central Services Staff Contacts: Beth Forrest
www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5882
ISSUE STATEMENT
Tonight’s public hearing is for the purpose of gathering community input on a proposed ordinance
amending the section of the Eugene City Code dealing with terms for boards, commissions, and
committees (BCC).
BACKGROUND
The City of Eugene has a number of standing boards, commissions and committees, including the
Budget Committee, Human Rights Commission, Planning Commission, Historic Review Board, Police
Commission, Civilian Review Board, Sustainability Commission, and Toxics Board. In addition, a
number of ad hoc council committees and department advisory committees exist to inform policy- and
decision-making.
In 1993, the council adopted changes to the Boards, Commissions, and Committees structure, shifting
from 28 standing committees with a hodgepodge of reporting links, membership and appointments to
three types of committees: standing committees to the council; council ad hoc committees; and
department advisory committees. In 2000, the council modified term expirations, with recruitment
running from July until mid-September of each year; balloting, interviews, and appointments occurring
in October; and terms starting November 1. For the Budget Committee, at least, this start date has
turned out to be somewhat impractical.
During a work session on Boards, Commissions, and Committees processes on June 8, 2009, the council
discussed and expressed general support for a proposal by Councilor Jennifer Solomon to change the
start date for Boards, Commissions, and Committees terms from November 1 to July 1, which would
allow for an annual recruitment period that begins in January of each year. Adoption of the proposed
ordinance would effectively change term start dates to July 1 and would extend the expiration date of
current members from October 31 to June 30 to account for the change.
In addition to changes to the term dates, challenges with the current application/interview process were
discussed, and it was suggested that the council consider moving to a system similar to that used by
School District 4J, which would allow each applicant three minutes during a regular council meeting to
speak to their qualifications and convince the council of their suitability for the job. A poll was issued
asking councilors whether they wished to continue using the current interview process or pursue the 4J
Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090921\S0909211.doc
model. The results of the poll indicate the majority of councilors prefer the current system of balloting
and individual interviews.
Also, in response to councilor comments and suggestions at the June 8 work session related to the
adequacy and effectiveness of the current application form, CMO and ISD staff are working together to
enhance the online application system to replace the supplemental questions with more résumé-type
information. These modifications to the online application should be operational by November 2009
and the new information will be available for subsequent recruitments. Staff is also continuing to
expand recruitment, training, and support for advisory group members and potential volunteers, and will
provide updates to the Mayor and City Council in future months.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
This item relates to the City Council goals of Effective, Accountable Municipal Government: a
government that works openly, collaboratively, and fairly with the community to achieve measurable
and positive outcomes and a Safe Community: a community in which everyone feels safe, valued and
welcome. In addition, the council in 2007 adopted an action plan recommended by the Council
Committee on Race: Enhance outreach efforts to our communities of color to increase racial and ethnic
diversity on City boards and commissions.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
The City Council may adopt, modify, or decline to adopt the proposed ordinance.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance.
SUGGESTED MOTION
No motion is offered at this time. Council action scheduled for September 28, 2009.
ATTACHMENTS
A.Proposed Ordinance
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Beth Forrest, Mayor and Council Support Manager
Telephone: 682-5882
Staff E-Mail: beth.l.forrest@ci.eugene.or.us
Staff Contact: Keli Osborn, CMO Division Manager
Telephone: 682-5406
Staff E-Mail: keli.m.osborn@ci.eugene.or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO. _________
AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING BOARDS, COMMISSIONS AND
COMMITTEES; AMENDING SECTION 2.013 OF THE EUGENE CODE,
1971; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
THE CITY OF EUGENE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1.
Subsection (9) of Section 2.013 of the Eugene Code, 1971, is
amended to provide as follows:
2.013 City Council – Boards, Commissions and Committees
.
(9)
Unless otherwise provided in the ordinance, resolution, state law or
other action creating the board, commission or committee, the terms of
all members on boards, commissions and committees other than ad
hoc or department advisory committees shall expire on June 30 of the
year the member's term has been designated to expire. If no qualified
successor has been appointed as of that date, a member's term shall
continue until the member's successor is appointed and qualified.
Section 2.
Notwithstanding the expiration date of terms of Board, Commission
and Committee members prescribed by the Eugene Code, 1971, the expiration date of
existing members shall be extended from October 31 to June 30 to adjust to the
amended term expiration date in Section 1 of this Ordinance.
Section 3
. Notwithstanding the effective date of ordinances as provided in the
Eugene Charter of 2002, this Ordinance shall become effective at midnight on July 1,
2010.
Section 4
. The City Recorder, at the request of, or with the consent of the City
Attorney, is authorized to administratively correct any reference errors contained herein,
or in other provisions of the Eugene Code, 1971, to the provisions added, amended or
repealed herein.
Ordinance - Page 1 of 2
Passed by the City Council this Approved by the Mayor this
____ day of September, 2009 ____ day of September, 2009
____________________________ _____________________________
City Recorder Mayor
Ordinance - Page 2 of 2