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Council creates fire services ad hoc committee, appoints two members and sets one‑year sunset
Summary
The council approved formation of a two‑member ad hoc committee to study fire services following passage of Measure L; members and a May 6, 2026 sunset date were appointed during the meeting.
The Livingston City Council on Tuesday voted to establish a two‑member ad hoc committee to review fire services and help develop recommendations after passage of Measure L, the local public safety funding measure.
City staff told the council the measure is expected to generate roughly $1.8 million for this fiscal year after updated calculations; earlier estimates had approached $2.3 million. The staff report said an ad hoc committee would assemble council members, staff and stakeholders — including volunteers and Cal Fire — to evaluate operations, funding priorities and oversight. “Staff believes that an ad hoc committee is much needed so that we can engage with the council and different stakeholders,” staff said.
City Attorney Roy clarified the difference between an ad hoc committee and a standing committee: an ad hoc body has a narrow, time‑limited scope, no legislative authority and is not subject to the Brown Act’s full noticing requirements in the same way a standing committee is. He reminded the council that only the council can take final legislative action.
Council moved to establish the ad hoc committee and to appoint two members immediately, with a sunset date of May 6, 2026. The appointments and resolution passed in a recorded roll call vote 4‑0. The council instructed staff to return with a scope of work, timeline, and proposed public engagement and oversight structure for Measure L funds; a separate Measure L oversight committee is planned for formal appointment on May 20.
Council members emphasized the committee’s limited advisory role. As the city attorney explained, “An ad hoc committee cannot make decisions. They can only provide recommendations to the council.” The council also discussed the time constraint created by the city’s existing contract for fire services and noted that prompt work on options is desirable.
Next steps include staff drafting the ad hoc committee’s scope, scheduling stakeholder meetings, and returning to the council with an implementation plan and oversight details.
