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Newark council agrees to pursue code change to let nonresident expert join Conservation Advisory Committee
Summary
Council members discussed whether to waive a residency rule so an associate professor who works in District 2 but does not live there can join the Conservation Advisory Committee as the city updates its comprehensive development plan; staff was directed to prepare a code amendment for a future agenda.
Deputy Mayor Colin Ford said the council will pursue a code change to allow an associate professor who works in District 2 but does not live there to be nominated to the Conservation Advisory Committee as the city updates its comprehensive development plan.
Ford told the council the Conservation Advisory Committee had asked to be included in the planning process and said, “It’s very important that that conservation advisory committee be allowed to advise us.” He asked members whether they would be receptive to an exception or a change to the committee’s residency requirement so he could nominate the candidate.
The request matters because the council is preparing an update to the comprehensive development plan and council members and commission representatives said outside expertise could influence land-use review during that update. Councilman Sahana said he polled existing CAC members and that while they praised the candidate’s qualifications, “their concern is that there is a certain value in having the members of the committee represent the entire community, therefore having a representative from each district.”
City staff indicated a formal code amendment is the preferred route. When Councilwoman Creasy asked whether the council could act on the spot, a staff member, Paul, advised checking the municipal code and preparing an ordinance if a change is required; he said that would be “upcoming agenda.”
Michael Cambrian, who said he is an at-large member of the Conservation Advisory Commission, urged the council to make an exception. Speaking in public comment, Cambrian said of the nominee, “To say it’s impressive does not do it justice. We need this kind of talent on the CAC. I’ll go so far as to say if for some reason council doesn’t see a way, a path for her to represent Corey's district, I’ll be honest. I’d be willing to sacrifice my at large seat for her to be on this commission.”
Council members expressed willingness to consider either an exception or a code amendment. Councilman Bancroft said it would be important to get members on the conservation committee before the comprehensive plan work intensifies. No formal vote was taken; the council directed staff to draft the needed code amendment or ordinance and place it on a future agenda for formal consideration.
The discussion repeatedly distinguished the nomination question from the council’s existing approach to the parking committee, where residency requirements were previously relaxed. Council members and commenters framed the decision as a balance between district-based representation and the technical expertise the nominee would bring.
Next steps: staff will draft a proposed code amendment or ordinance for the council’s review and placement on a future agenda; no appointment was finalized at this meeting.
