City Council
Meeting: February 24, 2009
Agenda Item: 8-D
To: Mayor and City Council
From:
Subject: Role of Council Liaisons to Boards,
Commissions and Taskforces
Recommended
Action
Staff recommends that the City Council review and either approve or modify the attached draft of a proposed letter to Board, Commission and Taskforce members conveying information about the role of Council liaisons.
Executive
Summary
At its workshop on January 17, 2009, Council discussed the role of Council liaisons and directed staff to prepare a proposed letter to Board, Commission and Taskforce members summarizing local law and Council’s consensus about the appropriate role of Council liaisons. The proposed draft provides information about the duties of Board, Commission and Taskforce liaisons as specified in or implied by local law and as reflected in the Council’s discussion and consensus. After obtaining Council’s direction on the substance of the letter, staff will make any requested modifications and will promptly mail the final letter to all members of City Boards, Commissions and Taskforces.
Discussion
As discussed at the Council workshop, local law gives little express guidance on Council liaisons. The only liaison position expressly mentioned is the liaison to the Planning Commission. As to this position, Section 1007 of the Charter provides that the liaison may neither vote nor act as chair. However, local law does specify the role of various boards and commissions. They are required by local law to seek public input and formulate policy recommendations for the City Council in a wide variety of areas. Additionally, several of the Boards and Commissions also conduct quasi-judicial proceedings.
The specification of these duties in local law provides guidance by implication about the role of Council liaisons. Because the Boards and Commissions must conduct a public process and exercise their best independent judgment to formulate recommendations for Council, Council members serving as liaisons should not seek to guide, steer or unduly influence the Board or Commission. Rather, the liaison should provide information to help the Board or Commission fulfill its duties. Moreover, in the context of quasi-judicial proceedings it is inappropriate as a matter of law for Council members acting as liaisons to strive to influence the outcome. In the case of quasi-judicial decisions subject to Council review, the risks of doing so are particularly significant.
In addition to discussing these basic parameters at its workshop, Council also considered the various ways in which a Council liaison may serve. Council reached consensus that liaisons need not attend Board, Commission or Taskforce meetings. Rather they may also serve by making themselves available to chairs and members as a resource for information, which the Chair or member may then take to the meeting.
The attached draft letter summarizes these points and also expresses gratitude for the vital service provided to the City by all those who serve on Boards, Commissions or Taskforces. Staff will mail or convey the letter as soon as it is prepared in final form.
Financial Impacts &
Budget Actions
There are no significant financial impacts attendant upon the preparation and disbursement of the letter, and no budget actions are required.
Prepared by:
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Approved: |
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Forwarded to Council: |
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City Manager |
Attachment A:
Draft letter