Commission begins review of Ordinance 2-2022; discusses staff liaison, virtual access and grants

The commission conducted a line-by-line review of Ordinance 2-2022, which established the sustainability commission and its powers and duties. Discussion focused on whether the ordinance requires or envisions departmental representatives being physically present at every meeting, how the commission should advise council, and which duties are appropriate for volunteers versus city staff.

Several commissioners noted the ordinance calls for department heads to serve as advisers and urged clearer expectations about staff liaisons. A participant noted that the commission is not a separate legal entity and cannot serve as the city's applicant for many grants; applying for most grants would need to be done by a city employee or the city itself.

Rosco, speaking as a department head, described virtual participation options and offered to set up a standing Microsoft Teams link for meetings so that department staff and commissioners could attend remotely when needed; he said the virtual link could be available for all meetings and that same-day virtual attendance can be accommodated when necessary.

Members also debated subcommittees (trees, water, grants) and whether the small size of the commission limits forming multiple subcommittees. Commissioners agreed to continue the ordinance review, gather suggested edits, and check with the mayor and city attorney on what formal changes are legally permissible before presenting proposed amendments to council.

Next steps: staff will circulate suggested ordinance edits for commissioner review and follow up with the mayor and city attorney on legal feasibility.