Staff presented proposed improvements to the boards-and-commissions application and appointment process, including a revised online description template, a shortlist of new application questions and two prototype evaluation forms.

Amy Neemer said communications has prepared a template for each board page with role descriptions, meeting information and council expectations. Staff also suggested adding three application questions drawn from a broader draft (for example, what an applicant hopes to learn through service; how a board becomes effective; and skills or expertise the applicant would bring).

Councilmembers asked staff to email existing applicants and invite them to complete the new questions; to keep a photo optional on the application; and to publish the guidance on the website so candidates can self-assess. Members discussed two sample scoring tools but agreed that publishing a numerical scoring rubric and scoring each applicant would be premature. Instead council asked staff to post the guideline categories so applicants understand the factors the council considers, and to return later with a recommended scoring or automation approach.

Staff also briefed council on feedback about whether to record board-and-commission interviews or meetings; the council agreed to let boards review recording guidance and to revisit the question after boards and commissions have had time to respond.

Council did not vote; staff will post the updated application instructions, follow up with applicants on the new questions and return with a final set of application materials and suggested procedures for interviews and appointments.