Loveland City Council adopts interim boards and commissions handbook update; asks attorney to define ‘conflict’

The Loveland City Council on Monday adopted Resolution R-6-2025 to approve an updated City of Loveland Handbook for Boards and Commissions that includes interim language to handle interview-panel conflicts during upcoming recruitment cycles.

The handbook update was approved 7-1, with Councilor Olson casting the lone no vote. Mayor Marsh and seven council members voted yes, and the resolution takes effect as the council directed further clarification from the city attorney on what constitutes a conflict for interview committee members.

City Clerk’s office assistant Lindsay Cochran told the council the change is intended to address recurring problems during annual recruitment windows and is a short-term fix while the city considers a full handbook rewrite. Cochran said staff identified three options for a full review: hire an outside consultant (estimated $30,000–$75,000), conduct a staff-led overhaul (estimated 9 months to 1 year), or postpone the project until resources are available. Cochran said the immediate need was to fix the interview-panel process so staff can complete the April–May recruitment cycle on schedule.

City Attorney Vince Jungles outlined the specific language placed in the handbook. He said the amendment allows the vice chair to serve on interview committees when the chair has a conflict; if both chair and vice chair have conflicts the default interview panel (chair, staff liaison and council liaison) may select another board member to serve. Jungles also noted the council retains authority to ratify or prescribe a different interview process during a regular or special meeting.

Council discussion ranged from calls to complete a council-led rewrite quickly to requests for staff-managed improvements. Councilor Olson urged council to finish a comprehensive update without delay and to use an editable shared document. Councilor Foley and others proposed clarifying distinctions between “boards” and “commissions” and strengthening the defined role of council liaisons. City Manager Jim Thompson said he favored a staff-led process and proposed addressing broader rule changes, including meeting procedures, at an April retreat after the election. Several council members said they do not support hiring an outside consultant at this time.

Public commenters raised related concerns during the meeting, including requests for a written rubric for interview scoring and better transparency about why applicants are not selected. Bob Massaro, a resident, said the interview process “is prone to favoritism” and asked for a standard ranking method.

The council accepted the interim handbook language as written and asked the city attorney to return with a clear definition of “conflict” and sample language (for example, explicit text that a chair or vice chair who is applying for reappointment not participate in interviews). The city attorney said he could prepare clarifying language and return at a later date for council review.

The council then recessed into an executive session on pending litigation; no further action was taken when the meeting reconvened.

Votes at a glance: Resolution R-6-2025 (adopt handbook): passed 7–1.