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Temecula commissioners debate role and value of advisory commissions as council considers reorganizing them
Summary
Commissioners discussed the future of the Community Services Commission, concerns about limited formal channels to advise council, and whether to continue event representation through year-end as the council considers restructuring commissions.
The City of Temecula Community Services Commission used a scheduled agenda item to discuss priorities and the commission’s role after the City Council signaled it may disband some advisory commissions and form a new “people commission.”
Commissioner Jeff Kingsburg opened the discussion by asking whether the commission should develop consensus positions ahead of a joint workshop with council and other commissions scheduled for early August. “Are we five different individuals who have different views, or is there any commission consensus?” he asked.
Director Russo told commissioners the item was properly agendized and that, because the discussion was on the public record, commissioners were free to express and form a consensus. Russo said prior joint workshops have been informal, open discussions that included council, the ready commission and sometimes the planning commission.
Commissioners voiced frustration at unclear lines of communication with council and with how the council has used subcommittees to handle issues that commissioners said could benefit from commission input. Several commissioners said they felt underutilized and asked for clearer assignments or opportunities to provide recommendations to council rather than only serving as event representatives.
“Sometimes we have people come to us to make public comments and there’s nothing we can do about it,” Commissioner DeWaive said, describing public commenters who had appealed parade decisions. Vice Chair Sizemore and others said the commission should continue to represent the city at community events while the council resolves commission restructuring, but they asked for more integration and clearer direction from council on specific tasks.
Some commissioners also raised the emotional impact of the council’s decision to reduce or restructure commissions. Commissioners said they intend to continue serving through the end of the year and encouraged staff to keep them informed about opportunities to advise council on items within their purview.
No formal motions or votes were taken on the item. Director Russo and staff agreed to provide additional information about the structure and expected agenda for the planned joint workshop and to keep commissioners apprised of council action on commission reorganization.
