Council tables discussion on background checks for volunteers, asks staff for draft policy

La Marque — The City Council on April 22 took up a previously tabled item on implementing background checks for volunteers appointed to boards, commissions and committees and voted to table the matter again while staff prepares a draft policy.

Councilmember Nance said background checks are common practice in municipalities and are especially important when volunteers work with children or vulnerable populations. She distributed example application language from other Texas cities — including a Santa Fe form that requests disclosure of convictions within the last 10 years — and said she would return with a suggested policy for the council to consider. "If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor felony and/or placed on probation, fined, or given a suspended sentence ... within the last 10 years, disclosures such should be forwarded under separate cover," she read from one peer form.

Resident David Pennington told council he supports background checks but urged the council to hold itself to the same standard before asking volunteers to submit to checks. The council discussed that change to the charter would be required if qualifications to hold office were to be altered. After discussion, a motion to table the item passed; council members said staff and the clerk will prepare proposed language and examples for the next meeting.

Why it matters: the proposal affects the process for appointing volunteers who advise the city, oversee programs and sometimes work with children or seniors. Council members framed the request as policy housekeeping and asked staff to return with recommended language so the public can review it before adoption.

What's next: city clerk will assemble sample applications and an administrative policy for council consideration at a future meeting.