Commission to seek larger membership; city council to consider change March 16

The Pleasant Hill Civic Action Commission discussed a proposal to expand commission membership and how the change will be handled at City Council.

Staff liaison Jeff told commissioners that the council provided general support but that the staff report did not make the Monday agenda because of a paperwork step; the item is now scheduled for the March 16 consent calendar. Jeff said council discussion had been broadly supportive and that the commission should attend if members are available, since any councilor could pull the item from consent for further discussion.

Jeff said one council member had urged caution about expanding too quickly. “One no vote came from Mayor Chess who expressed some concerns that the commission may be trying to expand too quickly and spreading yourselves too thin,” Jeff said. Commissioners responded that clearer role descriptions and an annual calendar will help the body show how additional members would add capacity rather than dilute focus.

Commissioners outlined skills they want in prospective appointees, emphasizing fundraising, social-media experience and volunteer coordination to support events and committees. Staff described the interview and nominating-commission process and said they would provide the interview committee with a white paper summarizing the commission’s activities and the desired skills before the nominating commission meets.

Next steps: staff will forward materials to the nominating commission; the council will consider the ordinance change at its March 16 meeting (consent calendar). Commissioners were encouraged to attend and to clarify role expectations for applicants.