Miami Lakes task force reviews stricter attendance, reappointment rules for committee members

Bridal Rodriguez, committee chair of the Miami Lakes CDP Activities Task Force, summarized proposed changes to member attendance rules discussed at the Feb. 20 meeting, saying, “If you missed 3 options, it says you are out for the committee.”

The discussion centered on a set of proposals the town is moving to committees, including automatic removal after three unexcused absences during a calendar year, removal after three consecutive absences whether excused or not, and removal after five absences in a year. Rodriguez said the chair — not staff or the committee secretary — would be the only person authorized to excuse an absence. She also said the town is proposing a reappointment bar for members who are removed: those individuals could not be reappointed for about 180 days.

Members discussed student members specifically and emphasized that exam or school conflicts should be treated with flexibility. Rodriguez said student absences would be handled ‘‘a little bit different’’ from adult members and that students or their families should notify the chair or staff so the chair can consider an excuse. Several members said they supported a stricter attendance policy because committees must rely on regular participation to deliver events and programs.

The task force did not adopt any changes during the meeting. Rodriguez said committee members should bring the committee’s current rules to the next meeting for review and preparation of any formal proposals to present to the town. She said some proposed rule changes are expected to be before the town’s administration or council in March.

Votes at a glance The only recorded formal motion during this meeting was the adoption of the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote; the minutes were adopted by voice (“aye”) with no recorded opposition. No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Why it matters If adopted by the town, the proposed changes would tighten attendance expectations for volunteers on advisory committees, give committee chairs discretion to excuse absences, and set a defined waiting period before reappointment for removed members. Committee members said the changes could reduce no-shows and improve event delivery but also asked for clear language on student accommodations and what counts as an excused absence.