Maple Valley council agrees to three-member interview committee, two-year chair terms and asks staff for Title 11 updates

The Maple Valley City Council on Feb. 2 reviewed proposed changes to Title 11 of the Maple Valley Municipal Code governing boards, committees and commissions and asked city staff to return detailed recommendations on interview procedures, alternates and conduct rules.

Councilmembers present agreed that candidate interviews should be conducted by a Council Interview Committee made up of three councilmembers appointed for one-year terms, that staff should verify candidate eligibility before interviews, and that at least three councilmembers should attend each interview. Council reached consensus to adopt two-year term limits for commission chairs and vice chairs and affirmed an existing requirement that the chair be present in person rather than participate virtually.

The council discussed qualifications for Economic Development Commission positions and directed the City Manager to research the commission9s composition and the skill sets the city wants and report back with recommendations. On the Youth Advisory Commission, councilmembers favored extending member terms from one year to two years, establishing up to two alternates, and changing the attendance rule from "not more than three unexcused" absences to a standard of "three consecutive absences" as a basis for dismissal. Council also requested policy language for notifying council when a commission seat becomes vacant and options for filling vacancies by resignation or term expiration.

Procedural business at the study session included approval of the meeting agenda on a motion by Councilor Victoria Schroff, seconded by Deputy Mayor Didem Pierson; the motion carried 6-0. Human Resources Director and Risk Manager Julie Hunsaker led the flag salute; no public comments were offered during the public comment period.

City Manager Philpot was asked to bring back proposed revisions to Title 11, interview procedures, a code of conduct for commission members, alternate-member options and any recommended Waiver of Qualifications changes for council deliberation. Staff will continue to coordinate with the council subcommittee assigned to the topic.

The council announced the next Regular Business Meeting for Feb. 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Wilderness Lodge. The study session adjourned at 8:59 p.m.