Commission plans response to 2021 sunset recommendation; will supply updated staffing and annual-report information to auditors

Commission members discussed a 2021 audit recommendation that previously suggested the commission be sunsetted due to inactivity and lack of membership. Members said the audited evidence is outdated and pledged to provide updated documentation showing the commission is now staffed and active.

Chair Bridal characterized the earlier recommendation as out of date: "the recommendation to sunset, is very much outdated," she said, and asked staff to ensure auditors receive current information showing the commission's new membership and resumed activities. Members noted the commission had limited meetings during the COVID-19 period and previously had only one member serving, which the 2021 audit cited as reasons for recommending sunset.

Maya, a municipal staff member, said she could identify the appropriate audit contact and resend the annual-report form for boards and commissions. The commission agreed to gather its membership list, meeting records and a priority list of projects to deliver to the mayor's office and auditors for inclusion in the upcoming audit cycle.

Members also discussed bylaws. Maya said she could not find bylaws for the commission and that Marie (municipal staff) had previously indicated none existed. Jessica and others offered to review bylaws from other municipal commissions (the Anchorage Youth Advisory Commission bylaws were mentioned as a reference example) to help draft the commission's governing rules if needed.

The commission voted to table further action on the sunset item until the next meeting so members could collect the annual-report materials and coordinate with the mayor's office and audit staff; the motion to table was moved and seconded and carried by unanimous consent.

Maya said municipal auditors plan to begin a new audit in August and submit findings in October; members asked to ensure auditors receive updated documentation beforehand.