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Tamarac discussion of ICLEI membership stalls amid questions about costs and appointed liaisons; item withdrawn
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Summary
Commissioner Morrie Wright proposed joining ICLEI USA to access grants and networks for resiliency work, citing a $2,200 annual fee. Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton pressed for clarity on required elected liaisons and potential conflicts during an election year; after extended debate Commissioner Wright withdrew the item.
Commissioner Morrie Wright asked the April 22 commission to give consensus for Tamarac to join ICLEI USA, an international network of local governments that provides sustainability and resilience planning support and access to grants.
Wright described prior experience at conferences and said membership (about $2,200 per year) could open funding and technical resources “to be at tables to make sure that we have access to money and and things to help the community.” He urged the commission to take advantage of available grants and networks.
Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton pressed staff and Wright for specifics about membership benefits, delegation and application requirements, repeatedly asking whether an elected official liaison or staff designee must be named as part of the application. Bolton said, “We are in the middle of an election year,” and expressed concern about assigning an elected official as liaison while campaigns are ongoing.
The city manager reviewed the application form on the record and confirmed it did request a primary elected official liaison; staff noted default rules if no liaison is designated. Commissioners discussed whether the commission could change an appointed representative midterm and whether staff could be designated in lieu of an elected official.
After extended questioning about appointments, costs, and the form’s liaison field, Commissioner Wright said, “We draw the item and let's move on. Let's call it a day,” and withdrew the item from consideration. Commissioners did not take a final vote to join ICLEI at the April 22 meeting. Several commissioners expressed support for the concept while urging additional research and clearer application materials before acting.
Next steps: Wright withdrew the item; staff or a commissioner may return a revised request with clearer liaison and fiscal details at a future meeting.
