Fernley senior advisory committee removes two‑term limit in bylaws

The Fernley Senior Citizen Advisory Committee voted to amend its bylaws to remove an explicit two‑term maximum for committee membership.

Casey Caston summarized the issue and Aaron Mortensen, the city attorney, presented three options: keep the current two‑term limit, strike the sentence imposing a maximum number of terms, or change the cap to a different number. After discussion about retaining experienced volunteers and the difficulty of recruiting replacements, Debbie Skinner moved to amend Article 2, Section 4 so it reads only that "the regular term of office shall be two years," removing the sentence that limited members to two terms; Denise Mormon seconded.

The committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition. Mortensen explained that striking the sentence would leave terms at two years and that members would continue to be reappointed every two years by city council; he said the committee has the authority under Article 6 to amend its bylaws by majority vote. Jackie LaVoy and other members said the change would help the committee retain institutional knowledge and avoid repeatedly restarting work when experienced members leave.

Mortensen said he would confirm a related procedural question with staff during the meeting and report back on whether council consent is required for the reappointment notice process. The committee agreed to address election of chair and vice chair at its next meeting; LaVoy is slated to be termed out as chair at that time.