Council reduces residency requirement for boards and restores certain committees in amended ordinance

The council moved and approved an amendment to municipal code provisions governing boards, committees and commissions, including a reduction in residency requirement for applicants and procedural clarifications.

City Secretary Crystal Rohn outlined the changes: reduce the residency requirement for applicants from three years to one year; align board and commission procedures with City Council meeting rules and state law by limiting public comment at boards to matters posted on the agenda; clarify when elected board officers assume duties (immediately upon election at the meeting, consistent with Robert's Rules); and address committees that provide redundant objectives. Council members raised concerns about the Parks Foundation and the capital improvements advisory committee being omitted; the council agreed to a friendly amendment to add back the Parks Foundation and restore the capital improvements advisory committee.

Staff said notifications to affected board members will go out upon second reading and confirmed training will be provided. The council approved the ordinance as amended.