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LiveWell Kingston debates new structure to add focus-team leads, seeks focus-team feedback
Summary
Commissioners reviewed a proposed restructuring that would assign a commissioner or liaison as a lead for each focus team (EatWell, PlayWell, TravelWell, etc.) and additional functional leads (communications, development, assessment). The commission agreed to solicit input from focus teams and to refine bylaws and rules of procedure.
LiveWell Kingston’s April 3 meeting returned to a previously discussed proposal to reorganize the commission into named focus-team leads and functional chairs to improve communication and distribute workload.
The proposal, presented by commission staff, would match each focus team (for example EatWell, PlayWell, TravelWell) with a commissioner or liaison who would act as the commission’s lead to that focus team and serve as a two-way communication channel. In addition to focus-team leads, staff proposed functional leads for communications, assessment, development/fundraising and special projects. The stated goal is to reduce staff workload, clarify responsibilities for commissioners, and improve recruitment by advertising specific roles.
Discussion covered the proposed responsibilities for leads: attending focus-team meetings or receiving reports; presenting focus-team updates to the full commission; recruiting and onboarding new volunteers; and helping to maintain a simple dashboard of outcomes the commission would track. Commissioners raised practical questions about overlap between being a lead and being an appointed commissioner, the workload of combining lead and commissioner roles, term overlap (when a lead’s commissioner term ends), and how staff would continue to serve as nonvoting coordinators.
After an extended discussion and a round-robin "temperature check," most present expressed support or “yes with questions.” Commissioners asked staff to clarify implementation steps, including editing the rules and procedures/bylaws where they specify membership and appointment (the rules currently reference 11 voting members appointed by the mayor). Staff proposed next steps: refine the proposal text, send a brief set of questions to each focus team (including: is there someone willing to be lead; what is the team’s goal; how will success be measured; what support is needed), and present focus-team responses at future meetings. Staff suggested an implementation target of a fall rollout with an official January 1 start for the new structure.
Commissioners emphasized the need for a clear welcome packet and role descriptions so prospective commissioners know the expected commitments before appointment. Staff said they would draft updated rules and procedures and consult focus teams; no formal bylaw change was adopted at the meeting.
