4.10.
CC Regular Session
- Meeting Date:
- 05/24/2016
- By:
- Colleen Lasher, Administrative Services
Information
Title
Adopt Resolution #16-05-102 Appointing Ms. Colleen Anderson to a Partial Term on the Environmental Policy Board ending March 31, 2018.
Purpose/Background:
The purpose of this case is to appoint a new Environmental Policy Board member to fill the vacancy created by a recent resignation.
Until recently, Mr. Larry Lewis was serving a second term on the Environmental Policy Board. However, Mr. Lewis will be moving out of the state and as such submitted a letter of resignation to the City.
As the City Council will recall, Staff recently conducted the annual boards and commissions process for terms beginning April 1, 2016. A portion of the process included the City Council interviewing new candidates for open seats on the Environmental Policy Board and the Park and Recreation Commission. The City Council interviewed four candidates for two open seats, two of which were considered viable candidates for future openings, but were not originally selected due to a limited number of open seats at the time.
As a result of the new vacancy and the City's ability to draw upon the current recruitment file, staff reached out to both candidates, Mr. Lonny Gray and Ms. Colleen Anderson. Mr. Gray stated that he did not wish to be considered for appointment at this time. Ms. Colleen Anderson stated that she was interested in the opportunity and would attend the May Environmental Policy Board meeting so that she could better understand the role that she might play on the EPB. Staff spoke with Ms. Anderson following the EPB meeting and Ms. Anderson stated she is excited about the opportunity to serve on the EPB.
Until recently, Mr. Larry Lewis was serving a second term on the Environmental Policy Board. However, Mr. Lewis will be moving out of the state and as such submitted a letter of resignation to the City.
As the City Council will recall, Staff recently conducted the annual boards and commissions process for terms beginning April 1, 2016. A portion of the process included the City Council interviewing new candidates for open seats on the Environmental Policy Board and the Park and Recreation Commission. The City Council interviewed four candidates for two open seats, two of which were considered viable candidates for future openings, but were not originally selected due to a limited number of open seats at the time.
As a result of the new vacancy and the City's ability to draw upon the current recruitment file, staff reached out to both candidates, Mr. Lonny Gray and Ms. Colleen Anderson. Mr. Gray stated that he did not wish to be considered for appointment at this time. Ms. Colleen Anderson stated that she was interested in the opportunity and would attend the May Environmental Policy Board meeting so that she could better understand the role that she might play on the EPB. Staff spoke with Ms. Anderson following the EPB meeting and Ms. Anderson stated she is excited about the opportunity to serve on the EPB.
Notification:
Summary of EPB Terms
The normal term length for seats on the EPB is four years; however, occasionally full 4-year terms are interrupted due to resignations on the board. When a partial term exists the City Council typically fills the vacancy with a new member that would serve out the balance of the term. In addition, staff strives to maintain a controlled schedule of staggered terms. New members are ideal for filling partial terms and to regain any imbalance in the staggering that have occurred. When the EPB was originated in 2005 the Council recognized the importance of staggered terms and appointed the initial members to two, three, and four year terms. Currently, the Policy for Appointing Boards and Commission Members is silent on how the maintenance of properly staggered terms should occur. This void will be addressed when the policy is updated in the coming months. However, a recent example of regaining the balance of properly staggered terms was demonstrated in March of this year on the EPB when Mr. Trossen was appointed. The vacancy that was open was a full 4-year term; however, in an effort to regain a better balance of staggered terms, staff recommended, and the City Council approved, Mr. Trossen's appointment to a 2-year term which corrected a situation that would have resulted in too many terms expiring four years from now. It should be noted that incumbent re-appointments have historically been approved as full 4-year terms.
Tonight's Appointment
The recently vacated seat on the EPB, previously held by Mr. Larry Lewis, was set to expire on March 31, 2019. Past practice has shown that the City has some flexibility in the term expiration date in order to best meet the needs of the potential new member, the board, and the City. Staff discussed the option for Ms. Anderson to serve out the current term set to expire on March 31, 2019 or to serve a term ending March 31, 2018 -- either of which will effectively maintain a good balance of staggered terms amongst the other board members. Ms. Anderson would like the City Council to consider her for a partial term on the EPB, ending on March 31, 2018, rather than March 31, 2019 in order for her to feel confident that she can bring value to the board within the committed timeframe. City Planner/staff liaison Anderson and Human Resources Manager Lasher both concur that a term ending March 31, 2018 is a win/win for all.
The normal term length for seats on the EPB is four years; however, occasionally full 4-year terms are interrupted due to resignations on the board. When a partial term exists the City Council typically fills the vacancy with a new member that would serve out the balance of the term. In addition, staff strives to maintain a controlled schedule of staggered terms. New members are ideal for filling partial terms and to regain any imbalance in the staggering that have occurred. When the EPB was originated in 2005 the Council recognized the importance of staggered terms and appointed the initial members to two, three, and four year terms. Currently, the Policy for Appointing Boards and Commission Members is silent on how the maintenance of properly staggered terms should occur. This void will be addressed when the policy is updated in the coming months. However, a recent example of regaining the balance of properly staggered terms was demonstrated in March of this year on the EPB when Mr. Trossen was appointed. The vacancy that was open was a full 4-year term; however, in an effort to regain a better balance of staggered terms, staff recommended, and the City Council approved, Mr. Trossen's appointment to a 2-year term which corrected a situation that would have resulted in too many terms expiring four years from now. It should be noted that incumbent re-appointments have historically been approved as full 4-year terms.
Tonight's Appointment
The recently vacated seat on the EPB, previously held by Mr. Larry Lewis, was set to expire on March 31, 2019. Past practice has shown that the City has some flexibility in the term expiration date in order to best meet the needs of the potential new member, the board, and the City. Staff discussed the option for Ms. Anderson to serve out the current term set to expire on March 31, 2019 or to serve a term ending March 31, 2018 -- either of which will effectively maintain a good balance of staggered terms amongst the other board members. Ms. Anderson would like the City Council to consider her for a partial term on the EPB, ending on March 31, 2018, rather than March 31, 2019 in order for her to feel confident that she can bring value to the board within the committed timeframe. City Planner/staff liaison Anderson and Human Resources Manager Lasher both concur that a term ending March 31, 2018 is a win/win for all.
Funding Source:
Funding for the City's boards and commissions is included in the 2016 General Fund Budget; therefore, there are no additional budgetary implications associated with making the recommended appointment.
Recommendation:
Staff recommends appointing Ms. Colleen Anderson to a partial term on the Environmental Policy Board which would expire on March 31, 2018.
Action:
Motion to Adopt Resolution #16-05-102 appointing Ms. Colleen Anderson to a partial term on the Environmental Policy Board ending March 31, 2018.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Kurt Ulrich | Kurt Ulrich | 05/19/2016 08:55 AM |
| Colleen Lasher (Originator) | Colleen Lasher | 05/19/2016 02:58 PM |
- Form Started By:
- Colleen Lasher
- Started On:
- 05/17/2016 08:25 AM
- Final Approval Date:
- 05/19/2016