Council reviews draft to add public member to city‑county building board

City staff presented a draft ordinance on June 10 to amend the city–county building board by adding a seventh, public member to reduce the potential for tie votes and to establish an application process for appointment.

John (staff) said the change would preserve the board’s role overseeing the building and its maintenance and that the city and county would continue to coordinate on appointments. "A seventh member would be helpful," Councilmember Mr. Zimmerman said, describing a current stalemate on the board.

Councilmembers asked staff to remove legacy references to a "safety building" included in older ordinance language and to clarify how the public member would be chosen; staff said the remaining board members would review applications and appoint the public member. The item was considered an input item for discussion and will be brought back for formal action at a later meeting.