Citizen Advisory Committee update

I have spoken with several residents who were wondering about the status and the process of selection of committee members for the Citizen Advisory Committee on Appointments. Earlier this week I asked the City Manager's office for an update. Here is the response that I have received from Rebecca Smith, Management Assistant:

"On September 8, the Council adopted a new policy statement to establish the Citizen Advisory Committee on Appointments. The purpose of this committee is to recommend to the City Manager and Council President citizen nominees to municipal standing committees, commissions and boards. This committee is comprised of five voting citizen members and one citizen non-voting alternate member. Committee members are appointed by the City Council President subject to confirmation by the Council. After the initial committee members are appointed, recommendations from this committee shall be taken into consideration by the Council President when determining future appointments to this committee.

On September 18, staff distributed a press release indicating that citizen volunteers were needed to serve on this committee. Information regarding this volunteer opportunity was also added to the city website, including a link on the website homepage. To volunteer for this committee, residents need to complete an application form by October 10. After October 10, staff will compile the applications and provide them to the Council President. Once the Council President chooses the members for appointment, an item will be placed on a Council meeting agenda for the Council to confirm the members.

The only defined role for a Councilmember in the committee appointment process is to vote on the confirmation of the members. The Council President, however, may choose to contact or involve anyone of his or her choosing as the appointment decision is being made. Councilmembers are free to encourage residents to complete an application form to volunteer for a committee."