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Scappoose manager asks council to clarify committee roles; councilors point to stalled Parks & Rec work
Summary
City Manager Ben Bergner asked the Scappoose City Council for feedback on the role of liaisons, staff involvement and bylaws for advisory committees; councilors reported the Parks and Recreation Committee has been staff-driven and recommended clearer SOPs and a work session.
City Manager Ben Bergner asked the council on Oct. 7 for guidance about the role and value of city advisory committees, including how much staff should drive agendas and what liaisons’ responsibilities should be.
Councilor Jacobs and other councilors described the Parks and Recreation Committee as often staff-driven and at times stagnant, citing examples that volunteers (named Paul and Ian) produced draft designs for pickleball courts and disc golf but that the committee lacked prioritization and follow-through. Councilors and staff discussed confusion about whether committees should generate final recommendations or serve as advisory bodies feeding council decisions.
Members proposed clearer standard operating procedures, defined liaison roles, improved orientation for new committee members and a council work session to codify expectations. City Manager Bergner said he would review bylaws, gather committee feedback and arrange a work session if the council desires.
Councilors emphasized pairing committee tasks with clear budget guidance so volunteer recommendations align with fiscal feasibility.
No formal policy change was adopted at the meeting; the council directed staff to compile feedback and consider a work session.
