Council backs standardized boards and commissions handbook and moves toward term‑limit policy

City staff presented proposed standardization measures for Orem’s boards and commissions, including a one‑page commission handbook, annual training for staff and volunteers, and a uniform three‑year term length for commission members.

What staff proposed: The city recorder and staff have implemented annual training for commission staff and are preparing a boards and commissions handbook that will explain roles, meeting procedures, legal requirements and an at‑a‑glance page for each commission. Staff also described an updated application and applicant‑tracking system that holds applications for two years and notifies applicants when openings arise.

Council discussion and term limits: Council members expressed broad support for a consistent maximum term policy to widen citizen opportunity. Several council members said two consecutive three‑year terms (six years) was a reasonable cap; others favored a clear grandfathering period for members already past the limit. Council asked staff to draft an implementing document and to propose language for a handbook and code amendments that would (a) set a term limit, (b) provide a one‑year grace/transition period for current members, and (c) require notice to members and public outreach to recruit applicants when terms expire.

Operational changes: Staff said application records will automatically expire after two years in the system and that council liaisons would be notified in advance of upcoming vacancies so council members can conduct outreach. The recorder’s office will generate reminder letters and share vacancy lists with council liaisons.

Ending: Council directed staff to return with proposed code language and a rollout plan that includes outreach and a timeline for transitioning members who are currently beyond the proposed limit.