Agenda Item # 11.b.5.
City Commission Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 04/03/2017
- Re
- Eliminating Participation by Uncertified Alternate Board Members
- Submitted For:
- James Messer
SUBJECT:
Ordinance 17-015 Eliminating Participation by Uncertified Alternate Board Members. FIRST READING
SUMMARY:
The Fort Pierce Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Article XI, Section 2-201(a) provides:
"Any individual designated as an alternate member of a board may participate freely in all board discussions or deliberations, except that such alternate member may not vote unless certified by the board Chair as a replacement for a regular board member at the meeting which such regular board member fails to attend, or has recused himself/herself from voting on a particular issue."
There is no valid reason for alternate board members to participate in board discussions or deliberations unless serving as a replacement for a regular board member. An alternate whose participation at a particular meeting is not required can be excused from attendance.
An alternate who is unable to vote yet participates in the discussion of an issue is in a position to unfairly sway the board on an issue without ever having to undertake the exposure that comes with the actual casting of the vote. The discussion of an issue is better focused and ultimately more economically and efficiently resolved by ensuring that the members who discuss the issue are held accountable for their vote.
"Any individual designated as an alternate member of a board may participate freely in all board discussions or deliberations, except that such alternate member may not vote unless certified by the board Chair as a replacement for a regular board member at the meeting which such regular board member fails to attend, or has recused himself/herself from voting on a particular issue."
There is no valid reason for alternate board members to participate in board discussions or deliberations unless serving as a replacement for a regular board member. An alternate whose participation at a particular meeting is not required can be excused from attendance.
An alternate who is unable to vote yet participates in the discussion of an issue is in a position to unfairly sway the board on an issue without ever having to undertake the exposure that comes with the actual casting of the vote. The discussion of an issue is better focused and ultimately more economically and efficiently resolved by ensuring that the members who discuss the issue are held accountable for their vote.
RECOMMENDATION:
Eliminate the participation by uncertified alternate board members whose attendance is not required at that meeting.
ALTERNATIVES:
Retain the current system which allows an alternate board member to participate freely in discussions and deliberations at any meeting of that board.
RESPONSIBLE STAFF:
James M. Messer, City Attorney
COORDINATED WITH:
Nicholas C. Mimms, P.E., City Manager
Fiscal Impact
- Budgeted Y/N:
- N
- Fiscal Year:
- 2017
- Account:
- TBD
- Amount:
- TBD
OTHER INFORMATION:
No fiscal impact.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| City Manager | Nick Mimms | 03/24/2017 01:42 PM |
- Form Started By:
- awilkinson
- Started On:
- 03/15/2017 01:55 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 03/24/2017