Committee presses staff on matrix edits and asks city secretary to clarify appointment process

Committee members raised governance and implementation concerns during staff reports, asking for explanations about matrix consolidation, program relaunch timing and stalled committee appointments.

Members noted that the December 2025 matrix that tracked issues had been pared down in the January 2026 version and said items they had raised previously appeared removed. Staff said some items were addressed in memos and that some departments (for example DME) may return with reports; members asked for clarity and for departments to reappear if questions remain.

On program implementation, staff described a water‑wise program revamp and a planned relaunch of the turf buyback pilot in March; members asked that staff return after a month or two of testing to present lessons learned. The sustainability manager said the water department will relaunch the program and noted many initial applicants were inquiries rather than completed applications.

Separately, Chair asked the city secretary to explain the procedure for presenting applicants to council for a vote after two applicants had applied but not been placed on the council agenda; the Chair said the issue affects quorum and the functioning of citizen committees and requested an explanation of any hold‑ups so appointments can be expedited.

No formal actions or votes on these governance matters were recorded at the meeting; members requested follow‑up reports and clarity from staff and the city secretary.