Council forms business‑park advisory committee after heated debate over membership and voting

Council voted to create an advisory committee to guide planning for a proposed business park and inland‑port concept, but the item produced an extended debate over committee composition and whether city staff should hold voting seats.

City Manager Mark Mondell explained the proposal: a broad advisory body that would include Matheny Track residents, representatives from chambers, county and LAFCO, and staff technical members to advise on annexation, infrastructure and finance. He said the committee would help the city coordinate complex topics including utilities, access and potential annexation pathways.

Residents from Matheny Track and advocates asked that bylaws not be approved before residents had a chance to review them, requested a transparent selection process for community members and argued against making multiple city staff voting members. One Matheny Track resident said, “It would be unjust to allocate city staff to vote on our behalf,” urging equal voice for residents and community selection of members.

Council discussed alternatives including limiting staff to technical, nonvoting roles and balancing voting seats so community members have substantial representation. After floor debate and public testimony, council adjusted the committee composition to increase Matheny Track seats and authorized formation of the advisory group; staff will convene the committee and work with community participants to finalize bylaws and meeting logistics, including accessible meeting locations and interpretation.

Next steps: staff will arrange community outreach, convene the committee, draft bylaws in consultation with Matheny Track residents and return to council with an implementation plan and meeting schedule.