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Trustees review bylaws on remote participation and debate board self-evaluation
Summary
Trustees reviewed bylaws governing quorum and remote participation and discussed whether the board should conduct self-evaluations or focus on strategic goals; no formal changes were made.
During the March 24 meeting trustees reviewed the board’s bylaws on quorum and remote participation and held an extended discussion about board evaluation and goals.
Trustees noted the bylaws specify a quorum is determined by trustees physically present, although the board president may permit a trustee to participate by phone or video; votes cast by remote participants must be roll-call votes. Trustees clarified that while trustees may participate remotely with permission, remote participation does not count toward quorum. Several trustees observed the city has been cautious about remote participation since the pandemic and that any exceptions sometimes require city council approval.
The board also discussed whether to adopt a formal process for evaluating trustee performance or to conduct periodic self-assessments focused on strategic goals. Some trustees worried that a formal evaluation could become politicized; others favored setting board goals and conducting a constructive self-review. No motion was made to change bylaws or adopt a board-evaluation process; trustees said they would pursue a goal-setting exercise at the retreat and discuss options for a non-punitive self-assessment.
Trustees also reviewed appointment timing and noted that reappointments are decided administratively; one trustee indicated a desire to be reappointed.
