Mayor Cole and Council Member Ronning have periodically received communication from citizens requesting a potential change in the ordinances which establish the qualifications of members appointed to the City's advisory boards and commissions. As a result of a recent inquiry from the Housing Authority of Billings concerning the inability to appoint a non-resident to serve on the Board, the Mayor and staff recently met to discuss and propose amendments to the applicable ordinances establishing membership qualifications of City advisory boards and commissions. The proposed amendments remove certain requirements such as being a  resident and a qualified voter within the City. Mayor Cole and staff are also proposing additional minor amendments to other related advisory board/commission ordinances concerning filling unexpired terms when a member position becomes vacant and when a member has failed to attend three consecutive meetings without being excused.The proposed amendments are shown by underlines with new language and strikethroughs for deleted language.

City Council may:

• Approve the proposed amendments to advisory boards and commissions membership on First Reading and Public Hearing;
• Make further amendments; or
• Disapprove the proposed amendments

There is no financial impact from the proposed amendments.

Staff recommends the Council approve the proposed amendments to the advisory boards and commissions membership ordinances on First Reading and Public Hearing.