Council debates mayor's midterm authority to remove agency representatives

The Big Bear Lake City Council debated Feb. 12 whether a mayor can unilaterally remove the city’s appointed representatives to external agencies midterm, or whether such removals should be returned to the full council for concurrence.

What happened: Staff noted that the rules of order state the mayor appoints representatives to intergovernmental agencies but are less explicit about midterm removal authority. Council members expressed concerns that unilateral midterm removals could be used for retribution or personality conflicts and proposed that midterm removals for cause be brought to the full council for review.

Views on process: Some council members said annual reappointments at the start of the mayor’s term are an established custom and work well; others said a midterm removal is a significant action that should involve council discussion to avoid embarrassment or perceived punitive targeting. Several council members said informal conversations between the mayor and appointee often resolve concerns before a public removal occurs.

Staff direction: The council asked staff and outside counsel to draft clarifying language for the rules of order that would (a) confirm the mayor’s appointment authority, and (b) propose whether and how the mayor should be required to consult or obtain council concurrence before midterm removal of city representatives to external boards. Legal counsel noted that in the case of appointed officials (for example, planning commissioners) the council already has the appointment and removal authority; the distinction is greater for elected council members’ agency assignments.

Next steps: Staff will prepare proposed text for the council policy manual specifying appointment and midterm removal procedures for agency representatives for the council to consider. No formal action was taken Feb. 12.