Committee recommends ordinance change to allow removal for advisory committee nonattendance

At a May 19 Government Operations Committee meeting, assistant city manager Courtney Portman outlined proposed amendments to the city ordinance that governs the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights to add a cause-for-removal procedure for members who repeatedly fail to attend meetings.

Portman told the committee the advisory group "met multiple times" to review changes and that the proposed language "will help address that and also clean up some of the other language within the ordinance specific to that committee as well." She said the draft includes a notice-and-hearing procedure reviewed by the city legal office so members receive due process before removal.

The proposed change responds to a recurring problem of vacant-quorum meetings, Portman said: members who stop attending have remained on rolls for the full three-year term, hampering the committee’s ability to conduct business. "Most of the time, if individuals aren't able to make a meeting or they realize the commitment's too much, oftentimes they'll just let us know, and remove themselves," Portman said, adding that recently some members remained technically on the roster despite prolonged absences.

Councilors asked whether the change was intended only for this committee or as a template for other boards and commissions. Portman said the language was a starting point and could be generalized later; the advisory committee requested the change and also asked for a council liaison to improve connection with the City Council.

Councilor Dean moved to recommend the ordinance amendment to the full council for first reading and referral; a councilor seconded the motion. With no objections, the committee advanced the amendment to the City Council for consideration.

The committee discussion and referral do not themselves change the ordinance; the item will return to the full City Council for first reading and any subsequent votes.