Citizens Appeal Board votes to ask city manager to stagger terms and to formalize member training

The Citizens Appeal Board for Grand Rapids City voted on two bylaws-related items Tuesday, approving a letter to the city manager recommending staggered terms for board members and taking steps to formally notify the public about a proposed bylaw that would establish routine training for new and existing members.

Board members said the staggered-term proposal is intended to prevent a complete turnover of the board on a single date and preserve institutional knowledge. The board voted to provide the letter to the city manager and to consult with internal staff about next steps.

The board also reviewed proposed language to add a training requirement to bylaw 2.1. The proposed text reads, “New board members upon appointment shall receive training in areas relevant to their service to this board. Areas of training include but are not limited to civil rights, law enforcement use of force policies, city policies, internal affairs policies and procedures, and public service employment law. This list is neither exhaustive nor mandatory as to what training must be performed. Existing members shall receive remedial training as necessary by the board.” The board did not adopt the language at the meeting but voted to comply with bylaw 7.2’s notice requirement and to distribute the proposed text ahead of the next meeting.

Labor relations staff told the board the staggered-terms recommendation is within the board’s scope to propose and does not require bargaining. Board members asked questions about how staggered terms would be implemented for current members — whether some terms would be shortened or lengthened — and were told implementation would be decided by the city commission if it pursues the change.

Board liaison remarks noted a tentative training session on law enforcement use-of-force policies for March 6 and additional trainings to be scheduled later, including sessions from the clerk’s office, the law department and the Office of Police Accountability. The liaison introduced Kimberly Hall as the city’s labor relations specialist; Hall was present at the meeting.

The board also approved the minutes of the December meeting and discussed internal attendance reminders, asking staff to seek affirmative RSVPs and to follow up by phone when members do not respond to email.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of December minutes — Motion passed (verbal unanimous vote; no opposition recorded). Mover/second not specified. - Motion to provide a letter to the city manager recommending staggered terms for board membership — Motion passed (verbal unanimous vote; no opposition recorded). Mover/second not specified. - Motion to fulfill notice requirements under bylaw 7.2 for the proposed amendment to bylaw 2.1 (training language) — Motion passed (verbal unanimous vote; no opposition recorded). Mover/second not specified.

The board reported no pending appeals. Members directed staff to circulate the proposed bylaw text and to post notice consistent with bylaw 7.2 before the board considers adoption at a future meeting.