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Committee discusses appointments policy, Shade Tree and planning‑zoning coordination
Summary
Committee members discussed a proposed appointments policy to improve transparency for board and commission appointments, plans to reduce HRC vacancies, a Shade Tree Commission review led by staff, and upcoming Planning Commission coordination for a zoning reclassification project.
Committee members discussed steps to formalize appointments to borough boards and commissions, a Shade Tree Commission review, and upcoming coordination with the Planning Commission on a zoning reclassification.
Staff said it will establish a schedule and deadlines for appointment applications ahead of the year‑end expiration of many terms and will advertise open vacancies on the borough website and newsletter. The proposed appointments policy would create a short consideration period (suggested two weeks) between application closing and placement on a council agenda, allow rolling applications for long‑open vacancies, and encourage that at least one or two council members review or recommend candidates before a name is placed on the consent agenda.
On commissions, staff said Emily Pisano will take point on a Shade Tree Commission review using a template from her prior municipality. The Planning Commission will report to the committee as it begins a zoning reclassification effort; Planning Commission member Todd Preci is expected to coordinate visits in the coming months. Committee members discussed handling both regular end‑of‑term reappointments and long‑standing vacancies differently so boards have continuity without excessive delay.
Staff said it will draft a written appointments policy and timeline for committee review, and return with a proposed schedule and procedural language.
