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Council defers Westminster Community Foundation appointments amid member concerns about governance and filings
Summary
The Westminster City Council deferred appointments to the Westminster Community Foundation on Jan. 8 after foundation members and residents told the council the board lacked quorum, had not filed required tax paperwork and needed a study session to revise bylaws.
The Westminster City Council on Jan. 8 voted to defer appointments to the Westminster Community Foundation after foundation members and residents urged the council to hold a study session to address governance issues and delinquent filings.
Camilla Overbeek, a foundation board member, told the council the board had requested a study session in September 2024 that never occurred and said, “Currently, 2023 taxes for the foundation have not been filed nor have taxes for the 2024 year,” adding the board could not act because it lacked a quorum. Other speakers at the meeting echoed concerns about bylaws, inexperience among some board members and the foundation’s ability to operate effectively.
Mayor Wynne moved and Councilwoman Fan West seconded a motion to defer appointments to a future meeting; the motion carried 4-0. The council directed staff to consider whether a study session should be scheduled and to report back on options, including steps to ensure the foundation meets legal filing requirements. The city attorney noted nonprofits must file tax returns and state documents recognizing board membership; the responsibility to file generally rests with the nonprofit’s board.
Council members and foundation speakers said the next step should be a prompt study session so the foundation can remedy delinquent filings, address bylaw questions, and restore quorum so it can resume fundraising and other activity. No new appointments were made at the Jan. 8 meeting.
