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Council weighs expanding Utility Board after quorum concerns
Summary
Councilmembers debated increasing the Utility Board from three to five members to avoid frequent lack of quorum. Council President Brooke Dodson and Councilmember Dennis Wilson favored expansion, while Councilmember Jeff McDaniels raised cost concerns and asked to delay action until the board speaks directly to Council.
Councilmembers discussed whether to increase the Utility Board’s membership at the April 13 work session after Councilmember Dennis Wilson said three members leave the board vulnerable to quorum failures.
"The Utility Board currently consists of three members, and on occasion they do not have a quorum," Wilson said, arguing the board should have at least five members to avoid canceled meetings. Council President Brooke Dodson said a Utility Board member (Rhonda) contacted her and asked to address the Council directly, and Dodson recommended deferring the matter until the board presents its view.
Councilmember Jeff McDaniels expressed concern about added expenses for the Utility Board if membership were increased "immediately after a rate increase," saying timing would be poor even if the cost is small. Councilmember Dodson and staff agreed the board should be an odd number and that Utilities staff or the board should present details before any bylaw change or formal vote.
No motion was made; councilmembers asked to have the Utility Board or its representative speak directly to Council at a future meeting before any change is considered.
