Proposed merger of Water Forward task force with Water and Wastewater Commission appears to be tabled

Several task force members said the proposed merger of the Water Forward Task Force with the Water and Wastewater Commission has been pulled or tabled by council staff, following feedback on the proposal.

Task force members reported that they were told by council offices the merger proposal will not move forward in its present form and that Council Member Alter was expected to circulate a revised resolution without the merger. Members said they had discussed the matter with new council members and provided a one‑pager describing Water Forward.

Why it matters: The task force was established as a temporary body by council resolution; the city charter treats task forces differently than standing boards and commissions. Task force members and staff warned that if a permanent standing board is intended, the group’s structure, bylaws, terms, officer selection and city‑clerk processes must be aligned to standing commission requirements.

Key points from the meeting: Staff noted the resolution was modified after the last Water Forward plan to keep the task force in place for implementation but said the body’s “in‑between” status requires clarification if it becomes permanent. The city clerk has not provisioned official email addresses for task force members because of the unclear status; staff said that issue contributed to administrative complications.

Next steps: Staff said actions on boards and commissions will be discussed at an upcoming Audit and Finance Committee meeting (members cited Feb. 18 as the expected date) and that the task force will follow council and clerk guidance if a formal reclassification is proposed.