Council appoints Melva Langford to Parking Authority amid protocol dispute

Council voted to appoint Melva Langford to the Parking Authority to fill an unexpired term ending Oct. 31, 2018. The appointment followed the resignation of an earlier member and was recommended by the nominating committee.

Councilor Abbott moved to defer the appointment so the council could follow the stated protocol (two public announcements at two separate meetings to allow public applicants); that motion failed for lack of a second. The mayor's office and committee representatives said the recommendation came from the committee and that the nominee had submitted a resume. Council then moved forward with the nomination, which passed with one recorded abstention.

Council asked staff to provide resumes for the transit authority and to circulate candidate materials to all council members ahead of next meetings so that interviews and formal votes could be scheduled in a timely way.

Outcome: Melva Langford appointed to Parking Authority to fill unexpired term through Oct. 31, 2018; council requested improved communication about vacancies and application windows.