Council edits rules of procedure language on chair nominations, adjusts board and committee staffing and approves minutes

The Clark County Council on Jan. 15 moved forward edits to its rules of procedure, including adding language that the chair will ask for nominations (plural) for council chair and vice chair at the first regular meeting of the year, and agreed to send the revised rules to public hearing. Councilors also reviewed boards and committee assignments and asked staff to coordinate calendars and identify whether staff designees can represent the county where a council seat is not required.

On minutes: the council approved the minutes for Nov. 25, 2024 and Jan. 8, 2025 by voice vote after a motion and second; the chair called for aye and the minutes were approved.

Boards and committees: Councilors discussed the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors Bureau slot, audit oversight, Metropolitan Policy Advisory Committee and other assignments. Several counselors volunteered for swaps and asked staff to confirm whether a council seat is required for particular bodies; staff will update calendars accordingly. The council asked staff to confirm bylaws for boards before assigning elected members where a staff representative might suffice.

Rules edits and nominations: Councilors debated whether to adopt nominations by open verbal nomination, a ranked-choice ballot or an open ballot. They ultimately agreed to add language that the presiding officer will open nominations and allow multiple nominations; staff will include that change in the draft sent to public hearing.

Next steps: Staff will publish a clean version of the rules for public hearing, confirm whether any edits require a hearing, and return with any required public hearing scheduling and the updated committee calendar.