Charter Review Commission adopts recommendation for removal after three unexcused absences

The Charter Review Commission voted Thursday to recommend that appointing authorities consider removing commission members who miss three consecutive unexcused meetings.

The recommendation, approved by voice vote after an amendment, was proposed during a discussion of attendance standards and enforcement. "If a member missed 3 meetings ... it is recommended then with unexcused" action be taken, a staff member identified in the meeting as Ed said during the discussion.

The change amended an earlier phrasing that referenced four missed meetings. Commissioners clarified the commission does not have authority to remove members; rather, the commission will forward recommendations to each member's appointing authority (the mayor or city council). "You don't have the authority to remove a member, but you would make a recommendation to the appointing authority," Ed said.

Why it matters: the commission is a time-limited body charged with reviewing the Home Rule Charter and must maintain participation to complete its review. Commissioners and staff said persistent absences have delayed work and hinder public outreach.

What happened: commissioners debated a motion to set the threshold, amended it to three consecutive unexcused absences, and the commission adopted the amendment by voice vote. The transcript records the roll-call and a voice vote exchange: "All in favor, say aye," followed by "Aye," and no voiced opposition.

Details and limits: the commission emphasized the recommendation route because removal power lies with appointing authorities. The commission also noted excused absences and Zoom attendance would be treated differently; Ed said Zoom attendance counts as legitimate participation.

Next steps: the commission will include the attendance recommendation in its materials and, where appropriate, forward individual recommendations to the mayor or city council for any member who meets the threshold.