Community Engagement Commission unanimously recommends removing geographic limits and term limits in ordinance 277

The Community Engagement Commission voted on Jan. 21 to recommend that Liberty Lake City Council remove geographic membership restrictions and the two-term limit in ordinance 277.

Commissioners debated whether the term limits had practical effect given frequent vacancies on the nine-member commission and whether removing geographic limits would broaden eligibility to residents with a connection to the city. A motion to eliminate term limits and remove geographic boundaries was amended on the floor to clarify the commission is recommending the change to the city council; that amendment was approved and the full, amended motion passed by voice vote.

David, a city staff member who led the ordinance discussion, said he will deliver the commission’s recommendation to council and coordinate who from the commission will speak when the item is scheduled. Commissioners discussed availability for an early February council meeting and agreed to arrange representation.

Several commissioners argued the change would ease recruitment: “We’re having a tough time filling the full amount,” one commissioner said during debate. Another noted the commission is currently the only city advisory body with term limits and questioned whether a two-term rule made sense given high turnover in applicants.

The vote was a voice vote with no recorded roll-call in the meeting record; the chair called for ayes and the motion passed as amended. The commission instructed staff to transmit the recommendation to city council and to report back on council action at the next commission meeting.

What happens next: David will deliver the recommendation to the city council; commissioners expect the item to appear on a February council agenda and will arrange commission representation when the item is scheduled.