Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Governance Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission reviews role, asks council to fill vacancies and considers annual report
Summary
Members debated the Traffic Commission’s long-term role, discussed asking City Council to fill open slots, and supported producing an annual report to show activity and relevance to council.
Members of the Morgantown Traffic Commission spent part of the meeting discussing the commission’s purpose and whether some long‑standing city advisory bodies should be evaluated or "sunset" if they are inactive.
Several commissioners urged that the Traffic Commission emphasize policy and advocacy rather than serving as a de facto casework intake. Bill Kawaki, Second Ward councilor and commission representative, and other members said the commission should use its annual report to show accomplishments and recommend council fill vacant seats.
The group noted that some boards and commissions around the city have stopped meeting; council has been asking for reports from active commissions. Commissioners agreed the chair should contact Council or administration to request that vacancies be filled and that the commission’s annual report is a useful tool for showing ongoing work.
Why this matters: commissioners said demonstrating measurable activity and a clear mission strengthens the commission’s case to remain active. The body decided to add a question about the commission’s purpose to the membership survey and to prepare materials for Council when vacancies are raised.
Next steps: staff and the chair will coordinate on an annual report and a message to Council asking to fill appointments; the membership survey will include questions on the commission’s purpose and member time commitment.
